• Preheat oven to 375° F.

make the meat sauce-

• In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in onion and saute 2-3 minutes. Add in garlic and ground beef. Break meat apart as it browns.
• Once meat has browned completely, pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, dried basil, sugar, Italian Seasoning and salt.
• Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook sauce 1-2 hours or until very thick. You may have to add a little extra water as it reduces down to prevent scorching. This is normal.

make the cheese filling-

• While meat sauce cooks, make the cheese layer: stir cheeses together in a bowl with basil, parsley, salt & black pepper. Set aside.

boil the noodles-

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously and cook lasagna noodles 2/3 of the suggested cook time found on the package (about 7 minutes). Drain and place noodles in a large bowl of cold water.

layering the lasagna-

• Spread 1/2 cup prepared sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Layer in 5-6 noodles across the bottom to completely cover. Spread half of the cheese mixture overtop of the noodles and then one third of the sauce.
• Top with another layer of noodles, the second half of the cheese mixture and another third of the sauce.
• Final layer is the last of the noodles and the last of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese.*
• Cover lasagna with greased foil. Bake at 375° F for 45 minutes with foil on.
• Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or until cheese has browned and everything it hot and bubbling.
• Remove from oven, cover lightly with foil, and rest 20-30 minutes before cutting and serving.
• Sprinkle with dried basil or parsley flakes, cut into squares, and serve.