A comforting and hearty lasagna layered with savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and rich marinara sauce, perfect for a satisfying family dinner. This dish combines classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Hearty – A satisfying combination of ground beef, marinara, and melty cheese.
- Creamy Twist – Cottage cheese adds a unique creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward layering process.
- Family Favorite – Perfect for gatherings or meal prep for the week.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different cheeses or added veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese with the egg, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture, followed by a third of the ground beef, a layer of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining cottage cheese mixture, another third of the ground beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Place the final 3 noodles on top, cover with the remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle with both Parmesan and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: 450 kcal
Variations
- Swap the Cheese – Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a traditional lasagna taste.
- Add Veggies – Layer in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce for heat.
- Ground Turkey Option – Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in provolone or cheddar for a cheesier lasagna.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes per portion or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work well, but you may need to add extra sauce to keep them from drying out.
3. Is cottage cheese better than ricotta in lasagna?
Cottage cheese is lighter and has more protein, while ricotta is creamier. It depends on personal preference.
4. How do I prevent lasagna from becoming watery?
Drain excess fat from the beef, use full-fat cottage cheese, and let the lasagna rest before slicing.
5. Can I add more protein to this recipe?
Yes, you can mix in cooked sausage, turkey, or even plant-based protein alternatives.
6. How do I keep my lasagna from falling apart?
Let it rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.
7. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
8. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! A homemade sauce adds a fresh, rich flavor to the lasagna.
9. How do I reheat lasagna without drying it out?
Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or add a splash of water before microwaving.
10. Can I add more cheese to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add extra mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a touch of cheddar for more cheesiness.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese and Ground Beef Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with a creamy, cheesy twist. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this lasagna will surely become a household favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
Cottage Cheese and Ground Beef Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A comforting and hearty lasagna layered with savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. With layers of melted cheese and classic Italian flavors, this lasagna is a must-try for comfort food lovers!
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add ⅓ of the ground beef, followed by marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of noodles, cottage cheese, ground beef, marinara, and mozzarella.
- Top with the last 3 noodles, the remaining sauce, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
