Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Ziti or Penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp Sea salt
  • 1 lb Lean ground beef (93/7)
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 24 oz Low-sugar marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups Low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 large Egg
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
  • 1.5 cups Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package directions until firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
  4. Stir the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes into the meat mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. While the sauce simmers, place the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper into a blender or food processor. Pulse until the mixture is completely smooth and velvety.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the par-cooked pasta, the meat sauce, and the blended cottage cheese mixture. Toss until every noodle is evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the top has developed a golden-brown crust. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.