Aunt Louise's Lasagna

2 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork, optional
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
2 Jars Spaghetti Sauce
1 box Lasagna Noodles
1 large container cottage cheese
1 lb. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan/Romano grated cheese
1 lb. provolone cheese (about 12 slices)

In a large saucepan, add the olive oil and saute the onions and garlic. Add the ground beef and pork; cook until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain excess fat and return to the saucepan. Add the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning. Cook over medium heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

In a stock pot, bring water to a boil and then add your lasagna noodles. Cook until noodles are al dente.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a 9x13 baking dish, spoon a layer of the meat sauce onto the bottom of the pan. Add a layer of noodles and then add another layer of meat sauce. Using a tablespoon, spoon the cottage cheese onto the sauce and mix it in a circular motion into the sauce. Sprinkle some parmesan over the cottage cheese mixture. Then sprinkle a handful of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Begin another layer of the noodles, then sauce, cottage cheese, parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat one more time. On the final layer, completely cover with mozzarella. Top with the provolone cheese slices.

Cover with foil that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake for 45-50 minutes, remove foil and continue baking for 10 minutes. Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving.

Aunt Louise taught me how to make lasagna when we would be visiting her in Northern Virginia. I loved our time together in the kitchen. We love this recipe and will make extra so we can freeze any leftovers to enjoy at a later time. The taste only gets better. I hope you would consider making this for your family.

Blessings,
Terri