Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assembly
- In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until well blended.
- Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of no-boil noodles over the sauce (about 4 noodles). Spread one-third of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 cup of meat sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce. For the final layer, top with the remaining noodles, the last of the meat sauce, the remaining mozzarella, and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan.
Baking
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute. Consider using ricotta cheese for a more traditional flavor.
