1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
1 (24 oz.) jar marinara pasta sauce (your favorite)
1 (15 oz.) can diced Italian tomatoes (undrained)
1 (16 oz.) container cottage cheese
1 tbsp. parsley flakes
1 (16 oz.) pkg. shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (16 oz.) pkg. lasagna noodles (I use Barilla)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

MEAT SAUCE:

Brown ground beef, drain fat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add marinara sauce and tomatoes. Simmer 20 minutes.

CHEESE:

Mix cottage cheese, parsley and Mozzarella cheese in large bowl (reserve 1/2 cup Mozzarella for topping).

ASSEMBLY:

Layer in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish: uncooked lasagna noodles, 1/2 meat sauce, 1/2 cheese mixture, repeat ending with meat sauce. Top with remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Cover with foil, bake in preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Submitted by: Brenda Payne