Creamy Lasagna with Cottage Cheese in Just 5 Steps

Oh honey, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make lasagna! There’s something magical about that bubbling, cheesy comfort food that just makes everyone gather around the table. But here’s my little secret – I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, and trust me, it’s a game changer! This Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is not only easier on your wallet, but it packs in more protein too. I first discovered this trick in my grandma’s cozy Ohio kitchen, watching her transform simple ingredients like cottage cheese and ground beef into the most unforgettable meals. Those were the days – flour dusted counters, the heavenly aroma of garlic and tomatoes simmering, and always, always enough food to feed an unexpected crowd. Just like grandma used to say – “Good food doesn’t have to be fancy to be fabulous!”

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Who doesn’t adore a big, cheesy lasagna? But let me tell you why this version holds a special place in my heart (and my family’s stomachs!). First off, cottage cheese makes it way more budget-friendly than ricotta – perfect for meal planning on a dime. Plus, it packs a serious protein punch that even my picky eater devours. And hello, creaminess! The cottage cheese melts beautifully between layers without any fuss. Here’s what makes it a keeper:

• Easy enough for weeknights (no fancy techniques!)
• Healthier twist with high-protein cottage cheese
• Family-approved comfort food everyone begs for
• Delicious leftovers that freeze like a dream

Trust me, once you try this creamy, hearty lasagna, you’ll never miss the ricotta version again!

Ingredients for Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Alright, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this cozy, cheesy masterpiece! I’ve grouped the ingredients so you can prep like a pro—no running back and forth to the pantry mid-recipe. Just a heads-up: do not skip the garlic powder in the cheese mixture—it’s my secret flavor booster! Here’s the lineup:

For the Noodles & Meat Sauce:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil—your call!)
• 1 lb ground beef (or swap in ground turkey for a lighter twist)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)

For the Cheesy Cottage Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups cottage cheese (small-curd works best for smooth blending)
• 1 egg (room temperature—it binds everything together)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (trust me, this makes all the difference)
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked for extra oomph)

For the Top Layer:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (because you can never have too much cheese!)

See? Nothing complicated—just honest ingredients that come together for the most comforting lasagna you’ll ever make. Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Okay friends, let’s get this lasagna party started! My method is foolproof—I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep (and some hectic weeknights, I practically have). But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step like we’re standing side by side in my kitchen, wooden spoon in hand!

Preparing the Meat Sauce

First, grab your favorite skillet—mine’s that trusty cast-iron one with slightly wonky handles. Crumble in the ground beef over medium heat and let it get nice and brown, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Here’s my golden rule: always drain that excess fat after browning (your lasagna will thank you later!). Stir in the marinara sauce and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes—just enough time for those flavors to become best friends.

Mixing the Cottage Cheese Layer

Now for the secret weapon! In a medium bowl, plop your cottage cheese straight from the container—none of that fancy draining business unless you want it extra thick. Crack in the egg, sprinkle the Parmesan, and don’t forget that garlic powder (my grandma’s non-negotiable touch!). Mix everything until it’s smooth but still has some texture—you want those little curds to peek through after baking. Pro tip: lick the spoon after—it’s basically a protein-packed snack!

Layering and Baking the Lasagna

Time to build your edible masterpiece! Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in your baking dish first—this prevents sticking and adds flavor all the way through. Then comes noodles (I overlap them slightly), half the cottage cheese mixture (don’t worry about perfection—rustic is charming!), a third of the mozzarella, and repeat. Finish with a generous blanket of mozzarella on top—cheese pulls are mandatory! Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover for that golden, bubbly top we all dream about (another 10 minutes should do it). Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting—I know it’s hard to wait, but this keeps those gorgeous layers intact!

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Tips for the Best Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Alright, my lasagna-loving friends, let me share the tricks I’ve learned through many (many!) trials in my kitchen! First off—no-boil noodles are a lifesaver when you’re short on time. Just layer them dry, and they’ll soak up all that saucy goodness while baking. And here’s something I learned the hard way: always let your lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking—it stops the layers from sliding apart like my disastrous “lasagna landslide” of 2017!

Want to make it healthier? Swap ground beef for turkey—my kids never notice the difference! If your cottage cheese seems too wet, give it a quick drain in a strainer. Oh, and my secret weapon? A sprinkle of Italian seasoning between layers—just like my grandma used to do. These little touches take your lasagna from “good” to “can I get seconds, please?” status!

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Serving Suggestions for Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Oh, the possibilities! This lasagna is practically begging to be the star of your dinner table. I love serving it with some toasty garlic bread – perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. For balance, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies pair beautifully. Here’s my little secret meal planning hack: make a double batch on Sunday – one for dinner tonight, one for the freezer on those crazy weeknights when cooking feels impossible. It reheats like a dream and tastes even better the next day!

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Storing and Reheating Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Let me tell you, this lasagna actually gets better as leftovers—if you can resist eating it all in one sitting! For fridge storage, cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers—it’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. Freezing? Just wrap individual portions in foil, then pop them in freezer bags for up to 3 months (perfect for meal planning!). When reheating, sprinkle a teeny bit of water over the top before microwaving to keep it moist. For that just-baked feel, throw slices in the oven at 350°F until bubbly again. My family swears day-old lasagna tastes even cheesier!

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Nutritional Information for Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Let’s be honest—we’re here for the cheese, but it’s nice to know this comfort food packs some nutritional punches too! Each generous serving (about an 8th of the pan) gives you approximately: 320 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated), 22g protein, and 28g carbs with 3g fiber. Not too shabby for something this delicious!

Quick note: These values can shift based on your specific ingredients—like using lean ground turkey or low-fat cottage cheese. But hey, life’s about balance, right? Sometimes you just need that melty, cheesy goodness—and this lasagna delivers!

Share Your Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Experience

Okay, now I want to hear YOUR lasagna stories! Did your family go crazy for the cottage cheese twist? Maybe you added your own spin with extra veggies or spicy sausages? Drop a comment below—I read every single one! Snap a photo of your cheesy masterpiece and tag @CarlasCooking so we can all admire your layers. And if this recipe made your weeknight dinners a little easier (and cheesier), I’d be over the moon if you rated it below. Happy baking, my friends—let’s keep spreading the comfort food love!

Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

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A simple and high-protein lasagna recipe using cottage cheese for a budget-friendly family dinner.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Layer 4 noodles, half the cottage cheese mixture, and a third of the mozzarella.
8. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Freeze leftovers for meal planning.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg