Slice eggplant. Bake on 375° for 10 minutes (optional). This helps reduce water in the eggplant, making it less “soupy.”
In a skillet on medium high heat, cook the beef with basil for 10 minutes or until it’s cooked through.
On rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or in a crock pot, layer eggplant with beef, tomatoes, cottage cheese, marinara, eggplant, beef, tomatoes, cottage cheese, marinara...
If using the oven, bake at 375° for about 1 hour or until the kitchen becomes aromatic. This is an indication the flavors have blended! If using a crock-pot, cook on low for 4 hours.
Remove from oven/crock pot and enjoy!