Linda's Lasagna Recipe

Recipe View Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, then drain off any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent. Incorporate the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, water, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. (Time: 75 minutes)

Recipe View Make the Cheese Filling: While the sauce simmers, in a separate bowl, blend the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg until smooth. Set aside. (Time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the noodles well. (Time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (Time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the remaining sauce over the noodles, then top with 1/2 of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Layer another 3 noodles over the mozzarella, followed by another layer of sauce. Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the sauce. Top with the remaining 3 noodles and the remaining meat sauce. (Time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. (Time: 45 minutes)

Recipe View Rest: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve. (Time: 15 minutes)