Friday at Gina's

Oh. my. word. I LOVE this meal. Friday night brought a delicious lasagna made from scratch, and the famous tuscan flat bread that Ariel has me addicted to. She's right: it really does taste JUST like Macaroni Grill's bread...I even do the olive oil and balsamic dip with cracked pepper. Anyway, I LOOOOOOVVVE this meal - in fact my hubby said it may be the BEST lasagna he's ever had. And he comes from an Italian family. Wahoo for Gina!

ingredients
1 lb lean hamburger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T. basil, flakes
1 1/2 t. salt
2 C. tomatoes, canned, chop
1 (12-oz) can tomato paste
1 (10-oz) pkg. lasagna noodles
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3 C. cottage cheese
1/2 C. parmesan cheese
2 T. parsley flakes
2 eggs, beaten
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 lb mozzarella cheese

instructions
Cook pasta according to package. Preheat oven to 375. Brown meat, rinse, and drain. Add garlic, basil, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Layer noodles in a 9x13 pan; top with cheese mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce, repeating at least two more times. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Recipe note: This lasagna can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Add 15 minutes for baking.