lasagna cottage cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best lasagna cottage cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic lasagna cottage cheese recipe with you! This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too.

I love how the creamy cottage cheese pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. My kids have always been picky eaters, but they devour this lasagna every time.

It’s also a great way to get them to eat more vegetables, as they can’t even tell they’re in there! The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and everyone has always raved about it. As an added bonus, this recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to traditional lasagna recipes.

The cottage cheese provides a good source of protein, and the veggies add fiber and vitamins. Plus, using whole wheat pasta instead of regular lasagna noodles gives you an extra dose of fiber and nutrients.

Cottage Cheese Lasagna

4.9 from 1778 votes

A lighter twist on classic lasagna, using creamy cottage cheese instead of ricotta. This hearty casserole is packed with savory meat sauce, tender noodles, and melted mozzarella for a comforting family meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cottage Cheese Filling

2 cups cottage cheese (small curd)
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Drain off any excess fat.
4Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
6In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
7Mix until well blended and set aside.
8Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of the baking dish.
9Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
10Spread one-third of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with one-third of the remaining meat sauce and one cup of mozzarella cheese.
11Repeat layers twice more, starting with noodles and ending with mozzarella on top.
12Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
14Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Large pot for boiling noodles
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles; just add an extra 1/2 cup of water to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Cottage Cheese Lasagna Works

This lasagna cottage cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family.

The leftovers even reheat well in the microwave or oven for a convenient meal on-the-go.

For storage ideas, consider freezing individual portions after baking for up to three months or storing leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Q: What is the origin of lasagna cottage cheese?

This dish has its roots in Italian cuisine, where layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese are stacked together to create a hearty casserole.

Q: Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese instead of regular?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese if you prefer a lower-calorie version of this recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too dry?

To keep your lasagna moist, make sure to not overcook the noodles and don’t bake it for too long.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but if you’re looking for a vegan option, you can replace the mozzarella cheese with a plant-based alternative.

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