What’s better than a warm, cheesy lasagna wafting through your kitchen? 🌟
Imagine layers of tender noodles, a rich meat sauce, and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese all baked together until bubbly and golden. This Cottage Cheese Lasagna recipe is not just comfort food; it’s a game changer! With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll create a dish that makes everyone feel at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up this delightful lasagna? Well, it’s super easy and perfect for any weeknight dinner or family gathering. Here are a couple of reasons:
Easy Cleanup: If you love less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal, you’re in luck! This recipe keeps things simple with just one skillet.
Family Friendly: It’s packed with flavor and cheese, a guaranteed win for both kids and adults. Who can resist gooey mozzarella and rich meat?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounces / 680 grams) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
Directions
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Here’s how to create this cheezy masterpiece, step by step!
In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic with ground beef until the meat turns a rich, golden brown. Drain any excess fat.
Add in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to let those flavors develop into a robust meat sauce.
For the creamy goodness, whisk together cottage cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper until smooth.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving later on.
Layer it up! Spread a thin base of meat sauce in the dish, then top with a layer of noodles. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat: meat sauce, noodles, remaining cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This crucial rest period helps the layers set and makes serving a breeze!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe (Overview)
Creating this delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a cinch and packed with flavor! Start by browning the beef and letting it simmer in that tasty sauce. While it’s doing its thing, whip up the creamy cottage cheese filling. Then, layer, bake, and voilà! You’ve got a winner. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference in flavor! 😉
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Serve this beautiful lasagna hot from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for that extra crunch. The melty cheese and savory sauce create a cozy aroma that’ll have everyone flocking to the table!
How to Store Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Got leftovers? No problem! This lasagna keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! For reheating, just pop it back in the oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick bites.
Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe
- Timing is Key: Prep the sauce ahead of time, and you can assemble the lasagna in a snap!
- Swap It Up: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Creamier Cheese: Add ricotta cheese along with the cottage cheese for a richer filling.
Variation
Looking to change things up? Try adding some spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrients. Or, go for a vegan twist by using plant-based meat and dairy-free cheese. Let creativity be your guide!
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Just layer them directly into the dish without cooking, and increase the sauce a bit to ensure they cook through.
How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Switch out regular noodles for gluten-free options available in most supermarkets.
Can I prepare lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic with ground beef until the meat turns a rich, golden brown. Drain any excess fat.
- Add in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin base of meat sauce in the dish, top with noodles, half of the cottage cheese mixture, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat layers and finish with noodles topped with meat sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.