Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients :
• 8 oz. block of cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• ¾ cup marinara (for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste (for the sauce)
• 1 lb. ground beef (for the sauce)
• ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan (for the sauce)
• 1.5 cup of shredded mozzarella (for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil (for the sauce)
• 1 tsp. dried oregano (for the sauce)
• 3 cloves minced garlic (for the sauce)
• ½ cup chopped onion (for the sauce)
• 16 oz. ricotta (for the sauce)
Directions:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and preparing the baking tray by lining it with parchment and cooking spray.
2. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and throw in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan, melting them together for a few seconds in the microwave. Mix them in thoroughly before adding the eggs and blending the whole thing together. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. While baking, grab a skillet and using medium heat, coat the surface with oil. Put in the onion and allow them to cook for 5 minutes before adding the garlic. Once you get that fragrant smell, wait 60 more seconds before adding the tomato paste onto the mixture. Make sure to stir all the items around until the onion and garlic are well-coated.
5. Add the ground beef in the skillet and cook the mixture, breaking up the meat until it is no longer pinks in appearance. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook it for a few more minutes before setting it aside and allowing it to cool. There should be a bit of fluid remaining in the skillet – try to drain that out of the meat before proceeding with the next step.
6. Turn on the stove again, keeping the medium heat constant. Add some marinara sauce and season with pepper, red pepper flakes, and ground pepper. Stir around to evenly distribute the flavor.
7. By this time, your noodles should be ready from the oven. Take them out and start cutting them in half widthwise and then cut them again into 3 pieces.
8. Start layering! Use an 8-inch baking pan for this, placing 2 noodles at the bottom of the dish first and layer as you wish. Alternate the parmesan and mozzarella shreds depending on your personal preferences.
9. Bake until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles out. Should take about 30 minutes.
10. Garnish and serve.
