Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy twist on the classic Italian favorite, using creamy cottage cheese in place of the traditional ricotta. It delivers all the comfort and flavor of classic lasagna—rich meat sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta layers—with a protein-packed, budget-friendly upgrade. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses cottage cheese for a protein-rich, lighter twist
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of robust flavor
• Classic lasagna taste with simple ingredients
• Great for make-ahead meals and freezer-friendly
• Budget-friendly and easy to assemble
• Kid-approved and family-friendly
• Can be customized with vegetables or meat alternatives
• Makes generous portions for a crowd
• Bakes beautifully with a golden, cheesy top
• Comfort food that never goes out of style

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• Ground beef (or Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based alternative)
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• Tomato paste (optional, for thickness)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Cottage cheese
• Egg (to bind the cheese mixture)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions if not using oven-ready. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer with noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or basil, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a flavor twist
• Add spinach or zucchini to the cottage cheese mixture for extra veggies
• Mix cottage cheese with ricotta for a blended filling
• Use no-boil noodles to save time
• Make it vegetarian with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles
• Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
• Use shredded cheddar or provolone for a different cheese profile

storage/reheating

To Store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap unbaked or baked lasagna tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
To Reheat: Microwave individual slices or reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in lasagna?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute—it’s creamier, lighter, and higher in protein.

Should I blend the cottage cheese first?

You can blend it for a smoother texture, but it’s not necessary. Many enjoy the slight curd texture as is.

Does this taste different than ricotta lasagna?

It has a similar taste with a slightly different texture—still creamy and delicious.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Is this lasagna freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked for convenient future meals.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes! Just adjust the sauce amount slightly to ensure there’s enough moisture to cook the noodles.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Let it rest after baking and make sure the meat sauce isn’t too thin.

What cheese is best for the topping?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to mix in provolone or fontina.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini work great.

What should I serve with lasagna?

Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a comforting, cheesy classic with a nutritious twist that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to share, this lasagna recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Print