Death by cheesy lasagna

This week, my Affordable Gourmet post goes above and beyond feeding four (it should feed at least eight). I don't mean to brag, but I made an insanely delicious lasagna from scratch. This was a first for me and it definitely won't happen too often (not exactly the most diet-friendly recipe). If you're trying to wind down with some mouth-watering, tummy FILLING food, this one is going to be for you.

Ingredients: 2 lb Italian Sausage ($5), 9 Lasagna Noodles ($1), 1 yellow onion ($0.70), 3 garlic cloves ($0.33), 2 cans crushed tomatoes ($1.58), 2 cans tomato paste ($0.66), basil ($1.99), 1 egg (carton for ($2.29), 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ($4,00), 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ($1.79), 1 carton ricotta cheese ($3.79).

**Home Necessities: 2/3 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, Italian seasonings.

Instructions:

1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package. Tip: run under cold water afterwards so they don't overcook!

2. Brown sausage. Drain.

3. Sautee minced garlic then add in chopped onion. Add to meat.

4. Add tomatoes, paste, water, chopped basil, salt and pepper to meat mixture. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

5. Mix egg, ricotta and pinch of salt in bowl.

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

7. Spread 2 cups meat sauce into baking dish (I used a 13x9 glass pan). Cover the sauce with 3 lasagna noodles and 1/3 ricotta mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat layers twice.

8. Top with remaining meat sauce and all cheese (this dish should almost be overflowing)

9. Bake covered 25 minutes, uncovered 25 minutes. I broiled it for 2 minutes at the very end to get a nice crisp at the top.

10. Let stand 15 minutes and then enjoy! I promise you, you'll be addicted.