Classic Lasagna

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350.
2. 2
   In a large pan, add olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic.
3. 3
   Saute until onions are soft and translucent.
4. 4
   Add ground beef and cook until completely browned and drain fat.
5. 5
   Return to pan.
6. 6
   Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, spices, salt, and pepper.
7. 7
   Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
8. 8
   Cook pasta according to the package directions, rinse and set aside.
9. 9
   I usually add a teaspoon of oil to the water so the pasta doesn't stick together.
10. 10
    In a 14 x11 1/2 x 2 1/4 inch baking dish or two smaller size baking dishes, put a small amount of meat mixture in the bottom of the dish.
11. 11
    Spread around.
12. 12
    Add lasagna noodles (about 5 or 6 and they will overlap each other).
13. 13
    Next, spoon half of the cottage cheese on top of the pasta and spread covering the pasta.
14. 14
    Spoon meat mixture on top of cottage cheese.
15. 15
    Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
16. 16
    Next add 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese.
17. 17
    Repeat with another layer of pasta, cottage cheese, meat mixture, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese.
18. 18
    Final layer is pasta, topped with remaining meat mixture and remaining mozzarella cheese.
19. 19
    Cover with foil and cook for approximately 1 hour.
20. 20
    Serve with salad and garlic bread.