2 c. uncooked macaroni
1 lb. lean ground beef
3/4 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 (6 oz.) cans unsalted tomato paste
2 c. water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. (1 lb.) dry unsalted cottage cheese

Cook macaroni as directed on package, omitting salt. Drain and set aside. Place ground beef, onion, green pepper and garlic in large skillet. Cook until meat browns and vegetables are tender. Pour off fat. Add remaining ingredients except for cottage cheese. Cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Place a thin layer of meat sauce in bottom of a 2 quart casserole. Top with half of the macaroni, spread cottage cheese over this layer, put half of remaining meat sauce over this. Then put rest of macaroni on top and finish off with rest of meat sauce. Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Makes 8 servings. Each serving equals approximately 260 calories.