Classic lasagna

Prep the vegetables

1. Finely dice the onion and garlic
2. Dice the carrot and celery into small chunks

Make the sauce

1. Brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and garlic once the beef is nicely browned.
2. Add diced carrot and celery
3. Add salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, basil, chopped tomatoes with juice, and tomato paste. Give everything a good mix
4. Add brown sugar and butter
5. If using oven-ready noodles, add 9 ounces of water to the sauce
6. Cover and simmer for 30 - 45 minutes

Mix the cheese

1. Combine the cottage cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, pepper, parsley, parmesan cheese and 1/2 lb of the mozzarella cheese

Layer and bake the lasagna

1. Put a layer of sauce on the bottom of the lasagna pan
2. Layer noodles, meat sauce and cheese mixture
3. Repeat layers, ending with a final layer of noodles and meat sauce
4. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top
5. Bake, covered with foil, at 375F for 40 minutes. Then, uncover, and bake for a final 15-20 minutes.
6. Let sit for 15-20 min before cutting