Mom's Lasagna Recipe

Mom's Lasagna Recipe
* 12 Servings
* Prep: 3-1/2 hours
* Bake: 65 min. + standing

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup salsa
2 teaspoons sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
9 lasagna noodles
1 carton (16 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

* In a large kettle or Dutch oven, cook beef, sausage and onion until meat is no longer pink and onion is tender; drain. Stir in the next 10 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

* Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer a third of the noodles and meat sauce, half of the cottage cheese, a third of the mozzarella and a third of the Parmesan. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan.

* Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes; uncover and bake for 20 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings.