Instructions

Sauce

1. Add Rotel, tomato sauce and tomato paste to a food processor. Blend for 15 seconds to get rid of chunks.
2. Add tomato mixture, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a medium sauce pan.
3. Mix well and simmer for 15-20 minutes (or however long you want/need).
4. Set aside when done

Noodles

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 13×9 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Melt Mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl.
3. In a small bowl, add eggs and Italian seasoning. Beat with a fork.
4. Add egg mixture to cheese mixture.
5. With CLEAN hands, continually squish the dough between your fingers until WELL blended. Don’t worry – it will get there!
6. Split dough into 2 equal parts.
7. On each prepared baking sheet, spread mixture out to approximately 12×8. Meaning, you don’t need to go all the way to the edges.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden brown.
9. Let cool for about 10 minute and then cut each sheet into 8×8 and 8×4 chunks. So you’ll just make one cut around the 4 inch mark and that will make the 2 perfect size sheets. You may end up trimming the edges when it is time to put it in the baking dish. I always do!
10. Set aside when done.

Meat Mixture

1. In a large pan, combine the ground beef, ground sausage, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked.
2. Drain excess grease and add 2 cups (not the whole batch) of marinara sauce to the pan with meat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Save the remaining sauce.

Putting it all together

1. Spray a deep dish 8×8 baking dish with Avocado oil or olive oil.
2. Place the first noodle in the dish. Use one of the larger 8×8 pieces.
3. On top of the noodle layer, add 1/3 cup ricotta cheese and spread evenly.
4. Then layer 1/3 of the meat sauce, followed by 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese.
5. Next place the 2 noodles that are 8×4 side by side and repeat the exact layers (noodle, ricotta, meat layer, Mozzarella).
6. Finally place the remaining noodle, add ricotta and meat sauce.
7. Add remaining sauce on top of meat layer.
8. Finally top with last 1/2 cup of Mozzarella cheese.
9. Sprinkle with oregano (if desired).
10. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, then raise temperature to 375 and bake for 10 more minutes.
11. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.