Mom's Lasagna

My mom's lasagna is amazing! It is authentic and hearty, and the perfect winter dish. It tastes even better the second day, so plan to make it ahead. Also, since it makes a whopping 30 servings (you can also cut it in half), it's great for a crowd. It makes about 2 1/2 9x13 pans full.

Mom's Lasagna
4 lbs. ground beef
2 lbs. Jimmy Dean brand hot sausage
48 oz. tomato paste
8 cups water
6 Tbsp. parsley
salt and pepper
2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning

Simmer for 3 hours. Meanwhile, cook enough lasagna noodles* for 3-4 layers. Drain pasta and set aside. In a large bowl, mix:
6 eggs
2 (48 oz.) containers cottage cheese
5 lbs. mozzarella cheese

Layer meat, lasagna noodles and cheese mixture. Repeat several times. Bake covered at 275 degrees for 2 hours. Refrigerate until cool and cut into equal pieces. Reheat lasagna, covered, at 350 degrees for 2 hours.

*Note: because the meat sauce is so thick, I prefer to pre-cook my lasagna noodles.