lasagna recipe with cottage cheese
This lasagna with cottage cheese offers a healthier, lighter take on the traditional Italian dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a mouth-watering meal. The use of cottage cheese in this lasagna with cottage cheese provides a smooth texture while being lower in fat than ricotta, making it ideal for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying dish. The combination of cottage cheese and the classic lasagna ingredients makes this lasagna with cottage cheese a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound (16 oz) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the lasagna.
Cook Lasagna Noodles :
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside on a plate. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil on them to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Meat :
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Cheese Mixture :
In a medium-sized bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Lasagna :
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a single layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, sauce) two more times, ending with a layer of noodles on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy, golden crust.
Bake :
Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna
- Prevent Stickiness : After cooking the lasagna noodles, drizzle a little olive oil over them and arrange them on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together before assembling the lasagna.
- Add Vegetables: To increase the nutritional value, consider incorporating sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers between the layers. This adds more flavor and texture.
- Make It Ahead: This lasagna with cottage cheese is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. If freezing, do so before baking, and it will last for up to three months.
- Customize with Different Cheeses: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella or experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
Why Choose Lasagna with Cottage Cheese ?
- Lighter and Healthier: One of the main benefits of this Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is that it’s lighter in both calories and fat compared to traditional ricotta-based lasagna. Cottage cheese provides a similar creamy texture but with fewer calories, making this a more health-conscious option without sacrificing taste.
- Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, making this Lasagna with Cottage Cheese more filling and satisfying. With the added protein, your meal will keep you feeling full longer, making it a great option for a balanced diet.
- Smooth and Creamy Texture: Cottage cheese gives the lasagna a unique smoothness that pairs well with the rich marinara sauce and tender noodles. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients while contributing to the overall creaminess of the dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Cottage cheese is typically more affordable than ricotta, making this lasagna with cottage cheese a budget-conscious option for families. It’s widely available in most grocery stores, making it an easy choice for busy home cooks who want a wholesome meal without spending too much.
- Customizable and Versatile: This lasagna with cottage cheese can be customized in many ways. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or make a vegetarian version by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
lasagna with cottage cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Boil salted water and cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside, adding a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Meat: In a skillet, brown ground beef or turkey. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a layer of meat sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles, 1/3 cheese mixture, and more meat sauce. Repeat twice, ending with noodles. Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.