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Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Cottage Cheese Lasagna

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This cottage cheese lasagna is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for family dinners. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture come together for a delicious classic.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 16 ounces cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 pounds mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until tender.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. While sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
  10. Layer with about a third of the mozzarella cheese.
  11. Top with another 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce.
  12. Repeat layers: noodles, remaining cottage cheese mixture, another third of mozzarella, and more meat sauce.
  13. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the last of the mozzarella cheese.
  14. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  16. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine (or grape juice) to the meat mixture.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • This lasagna freezes well. Assemble and freeze before baking, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

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