Description
Creamy cottage cheese lasagna delivers a comforting twist on classic Italian cuisine. Layers of rich cheese, tender pasta, and savory sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz / 680 grams) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Meat Sauce Preparation: Sear ground beef with garlic in a skillet until richly caramelized. Drain excess fat, then infuse marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop a deeply flavored sauce.
- Cheese Mixture Creation: Whisk cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper into a smooth, well-blended filling that will provide creamy texture throughout the lasagna.
- Oven Preparation and Dish Setup: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Layering Technique: Create a strategic layering process by spreading a thin meat sauce base, then alternating noodles, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat the sequence twice, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a multi-dimensional flavor profile.
- Baking Process: Encase the lasagna in aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese develops a golden, bubbling crust that promises delectable caramelization.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. This critical waiting period enables the layers to set properly, ensuring clean, precise cuts and optimal flavor integration when serving.
Notes
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and creamy cottage cheese for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy lasagna and ensure a cleaner, more robust meat sauce.
- Layer Strategically: Create even, thin layers to guarantee consistent taste and texture in every bite, preventing dense or dry sections.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps layers bind together and makes cutting clean and precise.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg