1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage,1 small onion, diced,2 cloves garlic, minced,24 oz pasta sauce (marinara or tomato basil),15 oz ricotta cheese,4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream,1 egg (to bind the cheese filling),2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese,½ cup grated Parmesan cheese,9 lasagna noodles (no‑boil or pre‑cooked),1 tsp Italian seasoning,Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste,Optional: fresh basil or spinach leaves for layering