Spinich and Sausage Lasagna

I used to be a firm believer in the good ol' fashioned Costco lasagna.  Why make something for yourself when Costco can make it almost as good, and cheaper.  Then you also don't have the mess and...ahem...it's a fool proof meal for even the poorest of chef's.  However, I have never really found a lasagna recipe that I liked enough to warrant making the dish.  The dish was either too dry, too watery...and don't even get me started on cooking the noodles...yeah...not. going. to. happen.

But, much to my dismay, I live on an island where the goodness of Costco lasagnas can not reach us.  So, I have to improvise.  And then like manna from the heavens, no-boil lasagna noodles rained down from the sky's...begging to be cooked in a home made lasagna.  I conceded...and I'm soooo glad that I did.  Both TJ and I could not stop eating this delicious cheesy, saucy goodness.  I would even go as far as to say that my Costco lasagna days might just be over.  Wow...did I just say that?!?!?!  Well, this meal makes enough for my family one night and one for the freezer down the road.  The perfect situation!!  So, for those of you with a Costco close, give this one a chance.  You might just be as inclined as I am to throw Costco out all together...okay who am I kidding...lasagna may be first on the list...but never will I ever perfect their darn rotisserie chicken.  The thing is like a drug; to which I will always come back for more ;)

1 lb mild pork sausage
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp. minced garlic
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
6 oz fresh spinach
1 lb ricotta cheese
1 lb cottage cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
squeeze of lemon juice
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
24 oz jar of marinara sauce
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large skillet cook the sausage and onions over medium heat.  Just as sausage begins to brown, add the garlic.  Finish cooking until the sausage is no longer pink.  Drain the excess fat.

Mix together the spinach, ricotta, cottage cheese, salt, nutmeg and lemon juice. 

In one 9 x 13 pan, or two 8 x 8 pans, pour a little marinara sauce on the bottom just enough to cover. Place a single layer of noodles.  Top with 1/3 of the sausage, and 1/3 of the ricotta.  Pour marinara sauce over the top and then repeat the process until all the ingredients are gone.  Top with cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheese is browned around the edges and bubbly.  Enjoy!