Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is a delicious and healthier take on the classic lasagna, featuring a rich meat sauce and a creamy cottage cheese filling. This easy-to-make lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Made with lean ground beef, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and cottage cheese, this dish is full of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a crowd-pleasing recipe, this lasagna is sure to be a hit. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the meat sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for oiling the tray)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves, torn by hand
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking pasta
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

For the lasagna:

• 1 pound lasagna sheets
• 1 (16 ounce) container cottage cheese (3 or 4% fat)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, basil leaves, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small chunks as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set sauce aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Oil a sheet pan. Add lasagna sheets and cook until al dente. Drain and lay out on the prepared sheet pan to avoid sticking.
4. In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, ¼ cup of parmesan, eggs, remaining Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish. Top with a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by about ¾ cup of cottage cheese mixture. Smooth it into an even layer. Add a thin layer of meat sauce over the cottage cheese mixture, then sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Add another layer of lasagna sheets and repeat this process two more times.
6. For the top layer, add the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is a healthier twist on the classic recipe, offering a creamy, rich filling made from cottage cheese instead of ricotta. The meat sauce is packed with flavor from fresh herbs and tomatoes, while the lasagna sheets create the perfect layers for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving comfort food or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress!

Tips

• For a smoother cottage cheese filling, blend the cottage cheese mixture in a food processor for a creamier texture.
• Make sure to let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and make slicing easier.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna sheets if you prefer a healthier or gluten-free option.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for both the mozzarella and parmesan layers.
• Spicy twist: Add chopped chili peppers or extra crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for some heat.

FAQs

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta can be substituted for cottage cheese in this recipe. It will provide a smoother texture but may be slightly richer.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this lasagna can be assembled up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350˚F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Serving

Serve this lasagna with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Suggestions

For extra flavor, top your lasagna with fresh basil leaves before serving. You can also sprinkle some extra grated parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish!