Meaty "Meatless" Lasagna

I love vegetables as much as the next guy (or gal), but sometimes I am in the mood for a more "meaty" lasagna! This is the perfect recipe for those who do not eat beef or for those cooking for "picky" eaters.  It makes enough for a family of four or make it over the weekend and save in individual containers  for lunch (believe me...your coworkers will be jealous).

2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Medium Red Onion (Diced)
1 tsp. Salt
3 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
2 Bay Leaves

1 Fresh Basil Bunch (Chopped)

Pinch of Red Chili Flakes

6 oz. (approximately ½ bag) “Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Grillers Recipe Crumbles"

1 28 oz. Can of Whole Peeled Tomatoes

1 tbsp. of Full Bodied Red Wine

6 Lasagna Noodles (Fresh is best)

24 oz. Low Fat Cottage Cheese

12-16 oz. Mozzarella Cheese

Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

Salt and Cracked Pepper (To Taste)

  

Heat olive oil in medium saucepan over medium heat, add diced onion and salt and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, red chili flake and approximately half of the basil. Sauté for 5 more minutes, add the Morningstar Crumbles. Continue cooking until crumbles have thawed and flavors have had time to "mingle". Add canned tomatoes and red wine and simmer sauce for 35-45 minutes. With a wooden spoon break up the tomatoes and add the remaining basil.

While sauce is simmering, boil a large pot of water for the lasagna noodles. Boil pasta until al dente, and then drain and cut in half (to fit in the 9x9 pan).

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Once noodles have cooled, add a bit of extra virgin olive oil to the bottom of your 9x9 pan to prevent sticking. Next with a slotted spoon, spoon a thin layer of your meaty "meatless" sauce. Then layer noodles, cottage cheese, sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese (repeat until close to the top of the pan). Make sure there is enough room for a final layer of sauce and cheese blend over the last of the noodles. Cover with foil and slide into oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese on top is melted. Remove foil and let brown (unless the family is really hungry!).

Enjoy!