Preheat oven to 375°F. Finely dice onion and bell peppers and sauté lightly in a skillet with a small amount of oil for 3–4 minutes until softened. Let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, cottage cheese, parmesan, cooked vegetables, garlic, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork it.

Transfer the mixture to a lined sheet tray or loaf pan and shape into a tight, even loaf.

Bake uncovered at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the last 15–20 minutes, lightly brush the top with BBQ sauce. Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.