Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe
This cottage cheese lasagna recipe combines a rich meat sauce with a creamy cheese filling and layers of lasagna noodles. It is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and serves 6 people.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pan For browning the meat
- 1 Pot For boiling lasagna noodles
- 1 Baking Dish For assembling the lasagna
- 1 Mixing bowl For combining the cheese filling
- 1 Oven For baking the lasagna
- 1 Aluminum Foil For covering the dish during baking
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb lean ground beef
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion or 1½ small onions, diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- For the Cheese Filling:
- 3 cups cottage cheese
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: 3 cups fresh spinach if desired
- For Assembly:
- 14 –18 lasagna noodles cooked
- Optional: ¾ cup additional marinara sauce for topping
- Optional: Extra shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Step 1
- Gather all the ingredients for the meat sauce. Place lean ground beef, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil in your kitchen workspace.
- Step 2- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir until the onion becomes soft.
- Step 3
- Add the lean ground beef to the pan. Stir the meat until it browns. Mix in the diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Filling
- Step 1
- Collect all the cheese ingredients: cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Optionally, add fresh spinach if you choose a spinach fill.
- Step 2- Combine the cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella in a bowl. Stir the mixture well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3
- Ensure that the cheese filling has a smooth, even texture. This mixture forms the creamy heart of the lasagna.
- Assemble the Lasagna
- Step 1
- Gather the cooked lasagna noodles and prepare your baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Step 2- Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce. Evenly spread the cheese filling over the noodles. Sprinkle a few shreds of mozzarella and grated parmesan on this layer.
- Step 3
- Repeat the layering process: noodles, meat sauce, cheese filling, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles on top.
- Bake and Serve
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Step 2- Bake the lasagna for 25 minutes with foil. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Step 3
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm and enjoy the blend of rich meat sauce and the smooth, creamy cheese filling.
Video
Notes
This updated cottage cheese lasagna recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
The increased ingredient amounts maintain the balance of flavors in the rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling.
The dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Enjoy creating and sharing this hearty, homemade lasagna.