Go Back Email Link

Lasagna With Cottage Cheese

This lasagna with cottage cheese is a lighter take on the classic, offering a creamy, protein-packed alternative without sacrificing flavor. Cottage cheese blends seamlessly into the layers, creating a rich, cheesy dish that's perfect for meal prep, freezing, or feeding a crowd.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Lasagna With Cottage Cheese
Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sugar optional

For the Lasagna Layers:

  • 9 lasagna noodles cooked
  • 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese smooth or small curd
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  • Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add 3 lasagna noodles, a layer of cottage cheese, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with mozzarella and parmesan on top.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Rest & Serve: Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
  • Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave with a splash of water.