Lasagna is a classic comfort food. You can make it lighter and creamier by swapping ricotta for cottage cheese. Plus, cottage cheese adds extra protein. This lasagna recipe with cottage cheese gives you all the cheesy delight of classic lasagna. It also adds a unique texture and flavor that makes it special.
This hearty dish will wow your family, whether you’re meal preparing or hosting guests.
Why Use Cottage Cheese in Lasagna?
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Healthier option: Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories than ricotta.
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More protein: Helps keep you full and satisfied.
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Creamier texture: Adds a smooth, rich consistency to the dish.
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Budget-friendly: Often more affordable than ricotta cheese.
Ingredients List
For the Meat Sauce:
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Cottage Cheese Mixture:
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2 cups cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
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1 egg, beaten
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried parsley
For the Pasta and Cheese Layers:
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12 lasagna noodles
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
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½ cup mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Timing
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Make Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook lasagna noodles until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
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Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
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Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
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Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
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Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
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Stir in sugar and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
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Add fresh basil before removing from heat.
Step 3: Make the Cottage Cheese Mixture
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In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley.
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Stir until well blended and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
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Spread ⅓ of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
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Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
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Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
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Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for the Best Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
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Use small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
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Don’t overcook the noodles to prevent mushiness.
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Let the lasagna rest before cutting so it holds its shape.
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Add fresh basil for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
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Skip the meat and add roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Spicy Lasagna
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Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
Low-Carb Lasagna
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Replace noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
What to Serve with Lasagna
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Garlic Bread – The perfect way to soak up extra sauce.
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Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy side dish.
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Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Vegetables – For a balanced meal.
How to Store & Reheat Lasagna
Refrigerating:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
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Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 430
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Protein: 30g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 5g
This lasagna can be made healthier by using lean ground turkey and low-fat cottage cheese.
FAQs
Is Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Better for Lasagna?
Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories than ricotta but still provides a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Can I Use Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! Just add extra sauce to prevent dryness.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Conclusion
This lasagna with cottage cheese is a delicious, lighter alternative to traditional lasagna. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.