Three-Layer, Three-Cheese, Meaty Lasagna

Have I mentioned how much I love Italian food?!  I love all things noodle!  And honestly, what's better than a moist, ooey gooey, cheesy, stacked-high lasagna?  This is such a yummy, simple recipe.  It's the only lasagna my mom swears by.  It's her Aunt Gloria's recipe that they've been using for years and years.  So, from my family to yours, here ya go!

All the ingredients.  Notice my lasagna noodles?  Who has all tried the no-cook noodles before?  It makes making a lasagna that much easier!  No hot, slimy, falling apart noodles to have to deal w/.  And honestly, I can't tell a difference in taste!

Brown meat, add in spices, tomatoes and paste, simmer for 30 minutes.  While simmering mix all ingredients for the cheese mixture.

1st layer: After spreading sauce at the bottom of the pan then 1st place noodles, 2nd spread half the cheese mixture, 3rd spread a third of the sauce and 4th sprinkle mozzarella cheese.

2nd layer: Noodles, the remaining of the cheese mixture, 1/2 the sauce, mozzarella.

3rd layer: Noodles, the remaining sauce, mozzarella Cheese and Parmesan Cheese.

 Bake covered on 350 for 25 minutes, uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.  Let sit out for 30 minutes so the lasagna cools and hardens, that way it's not falling apart when you serve.

Three-Layer, Three-Cheese, Meaty Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef (or sausage if that's what you prefer, beef is much better, just sayin')

1/2 Medium Onion Diced

1 Clove Garlic

3 T Parsley

1 T Basil

1 t. Salt

29 oz Crushed Tomatoes

2 cans Tomato Paste

2 cups Cottage Cheese

2 Eggs

1/2 t. Salt

1/2 t. Pepper

1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese

Lasagna Noodles

Mozzarella Cheese

Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions (unless, of course, you're using the no-cook noodles).

Brown meat along w/ diced onion.  Drain and add garlic, parsley, basil, salt, tomatoes, and paste.  Simmer for 30 minutes, stir occasionally.

While simmering mix together, in a medium bowl, cottage cheese, eggs, salt, pepper and Parmesan Cheese.

Now for the layering:  Preheat oven to 350.  Spread 1/4 - 1/2 c sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

1st layer: Place noodles, 2nd spread half the cheese mixture, 3rd spread a third of the sauce and 4th sprinkle mozzarella cheese.

2nd layer: Noodles, the remaining of the cheese mixture, 1/2 the sauce, mozzarella.

3rd layer: Noodles, the remaining sauce, mozzarella Cheese and Parmesan Cheese.

Bake covered for 25 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.  Let sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!