Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe

This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting twist on a classic Italian-American dish! Imagine layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a luscious cottage cheese filling, all baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and decadent filling that’s both comforting and flavorful.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This lasagna is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the meat sauce with your favorite vegetables or spices, or use a different type of cheese for the filling or topping.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: Use regular or no-boil lasagna noodles.
• Olive oil: Used to cook the vegetables and prevent the noodles from sticking.
• Yellow onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness to the meat sauce.
• Ground beef or turkey: Adds a hearty and savory element to the sauce.
• Turkey sausage or regular sausage: Adds another layer of flavor and texture to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness to the sauce.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Season the meat sauce to perfection.

Cheese Mixture

• Full-fat small curd cottage cheese: Adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the filling.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy stretch.
• Egg: Binds the cheese filling together.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the filling and topping.
• Salt and pepper: Season the cheese filling to perfection.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions in boiling salted water with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the noodles for 2 minutes less than the recommended time to ensure they don’t become mushy in the oven. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet to dry.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the ground beef and sausage, and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer while you prepare the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 3 cups of the mozzarella cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles lengthwise in the dish. Crumble half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with another 3 noodles, the remaining cottage cheese mixture, and another ⅓ of the meat sauce. Top with the final 3 noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the lasagna uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If the sauce starts to bubble over, place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality ground beef, sausage, cheese, and marinara sauce.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the oven.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: This lasagna freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Serve

This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Lasagna noodles are recommended for this recipe, but you can experiment with other wide, flat pasta shapes, such as pappardelle or fettuccine.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef and sausage, and use a plant-based meat substitute or add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to the sauce.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as ricotta cheese, provolone cheese, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish?

Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or a bay leaf would be delicious additions to the meat sauce.

This Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting twist on a classic dish. With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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