Natalia's Lasagna

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. 2

   Generously oil a 9x13 baking dish.

3. 3

   Use a Dutch oven to cook the sausage, ground beef, onions and garlic until the meat is browned.

4. 4

   Once the meat is browned add the crushed tomatoes, paste, sauce along with all the seasonings except the sugar and 1 Tablespoon of parsley.

5. 5

   Add the sugar one tablespoon at at time (the sugar helps to 'blend' the rest of the seasonings) and at this point taste the sauce to see if the sugar is to your liking and not too sweet.

6. 6

   Simmer the sauce for about 45 minutes or long enough for all seasonings to combine well (the sauce can be simmered longer if desired-I would say one to one and a half hours max time).

7. 7

   While the sauce is simmering, in a small mixing bowl beat the egg with the cottage cheese and add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of parsley.

8. 8

   Noodles can be rinsed with hot water just until softened or cook noodles according to package directions-rinse with cool water and drain well.

9. 9

   Layer the lasagna as follows: Bottom layer meat sauce (about 1-1/2 cups), 6 noodles, 1/2 cottage cheese mixture, 1/2 mozzarella cheese, meat sauce and 1/2 Parmesan cheese.

10. 10

    Second set of layers: remaining noodles, remaining cottage cheese mixture, more meat sauce, the rest of the Parmesan cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

11. 11

    Bake the lasagna for 25 minutes covered (make sure the foil is sprayed with non-stick spray so the cheese will not stick or tent the foil so it rests above the cheese).

12. 12

    After 25 minutes remove the foil and cook an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is completely melted.

13. 13

    Remove from the oven and allow 15 minutes rest time before serving.

14. 14

    Enjoy!

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.