Homemade Lasagna for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 lb lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (15 oz) container cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour, 15 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
6. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Top with 3 lasagna noodles.
8. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture.
9. Repeat layers.
10. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
12. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and browned.
13. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 500 per serving
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Cheesy and creamy
• Comforting and hearty

User Comments:

• "This lasagna was absolutely delicious! The meat sauce was so flavorful and the ricotta cheese filling was creamy and smooth. I highly recommend this recipe." - John Smith
• "I made this lasagna for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it. It was easy to make and the leftovers were even better the next day." - Mary Jones
• "This is my favorite lasagna recipe. I've made it several times and it always comes out perfect." - Bob Brown

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have any lasagna noodles, you can use wide egg noodles instead.
• You can add your favorite vegetables to this lasagna, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.