Ingredients:

  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz no-sugar-added marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for 'al dente'. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and diced onions over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
  4. While the sauce simmers, place the cottage cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and black pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. In the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and the blended cottage cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Evenly sprinkle the shredded low-moisture mozzarella over the top of the pasta mixture.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes with foil, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil chiffonade and serve.