Saute onion, garlic, and meat in shortening about 20 minutes. Add next four ingredients. With 1 tsp salt. Simmer for 40 minutes. Cook noodles with 1 tbsp salt for 20 minutes; drain.
Put 1/3 meat mixture in baking dish. Add layer of noodles, add 1/2 cottage cheese, 1/3 Mozzarella, and 1/2 Cheddar. Repeat layers, ending with remaining meat mixture and top with remaining 1/3 Mozzarella cheese.