Dad's Lasagna

2 lbs uncooked ground sausage

3 carrots, finely chopped

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

3 onions, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (dad usually uses red), finely chopped

2 Tbl olive oil

2 tsp garlic

basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste

28 oz petite diced tomatoes

24 oz tomato sauce

1 small can tomato paste

2 T sugar

1 box lasagna noodles

1-2 lbs mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup cottage cheese (4%), squeeze out liquid with a spoon

1 cup ricotta cheese (made from whole milk)

Grated parmesan cheese to taste

Sauce:

1. Brown 2 lbs of sausage. Drain off the grease. Set the sausage aside.

2. Heat 2 Tbl olive oil and saute carrots, celery, onions, bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, basil and oregano.

3. Add 28 ounces petite tomatoes, 24 ounces tomato sauce and 1 little can of tomato paste.

4. Add cooked sausage.

5. Add 2 Tbl sugar

6. Let simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Preparation:

1. Boil at least 12 lasagna noodles. Run under cold water to handle easily.

2. 1st layer: noodles with light covering of sauce followed by nice layer of mozzarella.

2nd layer: Noodles; nice layer of sauce

3rd layer: Noodles, 1/2 inch layer of cheese mixture (one cup of cottage cheese, 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella and small amount of parmesean cheese) Add salt and pepper.

4th layer: Noodles, light layer of sauce, light layer of mozzarella.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

4. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with a scoop of remaining sauce ladled over each piece.