Easy Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese: A Simple, High-Protein Comfort Food

A vibrant lasagna layered with noodles, meat sauce, and bubbly cheese in a baking dish

Craving a hearty, cheesy lasagna but want something simple and nutritious? This easy lasagna recipe with cottage cheese delivers big flavor without the fuss. Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and boosts protein, making it a healthier twist on the classic Italian dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this dish is a winner. Did you know? A single serving of lasagna with cottage cheese can pack over 20 grams of protein (USDA, 2023). Plus, 68% of home cooks prefer recipes with fewer than 10 steps (Nielsen, 2022). This recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Why Choose Cottage Cheese for Lasagna?

Cottage cheese is a game-changer in lasagna. It’s affordable, easy to find, and adds a rich, creamy texture. Unlike ricotta cheese, cottage cheese is higher in protein and lower in fat. It blends smoothly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that bubbly cheese topping everyone loves. Plus, it’s versatile—use it in traditional lasagna, lasagna roll-ups, or even slow cooker lasagna.

Benefits of Cottage Cheese in Lasagna

High protein: Packs 14 grams per half-cup serving (USDA, 2023).
Budget-friendly: Costs less than ricotta or pecorino-Romano cheese.
Creamy texture: Creates a smooth cheese layer without extra effort.
Easy to find: Available at stores like Kroger or local markets.

Ingredients for Easy Cottage Cheese Lasagna

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Here’s what you need for a 9×13 baking dish, serving 8–10 people.

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (turkey sausage works for a leaner option)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 can (28 oz) tomato sauce or Kroger Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or diced Italian tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

2 cups cottage cheese (protein-packed cottage cheese preferred)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp garlic powder

Other Ingredients

12 oven-ready lasagna noodles or no-boil lasagna noodles
1 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)
½ cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Aluminum foil (for baking)

Layered lasagna in a baking dish with meat sauce and cheese mixture

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Cottage Cheese Lasagna

This lasagna recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious result.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
Add ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes.
Drain excess fat. Return skillet to heat.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
Add dried basil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Layer

Combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a large bowl.
Add beaten egg, fresh parsley, and garlic powder.
Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (preheated oven is key for even cooking).
Spread 1 cup meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Place 3–4 oven-ready lasagna sheets over the sauce.
Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
Top with 1 cup meat sauce.
Repeat layers (noodles, cheese mixture, sauce) two more times.
Finish with a layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle ½ cup Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove foil. Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares. Serve hot.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian dinner.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna Every Time

Use oven-ready noodles: No-boil lasagna noodles save time and effort.
Don’t skip the rest: Letting lasagna sit after baking helps it hold its shape.
Adjust spice: Add more red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Make it vegetarian: Swap meat for cremini mushrooms or diced bell pepper.
Double the recipe: Use two baking dishes for meal prepping or freezing lasagna.

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Freezing and Reheating Lasagna

This lasagna is perfect for meal prepping. Follow these storage instructions.

Freezing Lasagna

Assemble lasagna in a freezer-safe baking dish.
Wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Label with date and contents.

Reheating Lasagna

Thaw frozen lasagna in the fridge overnight.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Bake covered for 30–40 minutes.
Remove foil. Bake 10 minutes until bubbly.

Variations on Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Want to mix things up? Try these creative twists.

Lasagna Roll-Ups: Spread cheese mixture on cooked noodles. Roll and bake with sauce.
Slow Cooker Lasagna: Layer ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
High-Protein Lasagna: Add turkey meatballs or extra cottage cheese for more protein.
Vegetarian Lasagna: Use marinara sauce, spinach, and cremini mushrooms instead of meat.
Baked Spaghetti: Swap lasagna noodles for spaghetti for a fun twist.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This cottage cheese lasagna is a high-protein recipe that’s easy to make. It uses simple ingredients like tomato sauce and oven-ready lasagna noodles. The cheese mixture creates a creamy, satisfying texture. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or freezing. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of home cooks want recipes that balance flavor and nutrition (Nielsen, 2022). This lasagna delivers both.

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between Cottage Cheese and Ricotta in Lasagna?

Cottage cheese is higher in protein and lower in fat than ricotta. It has a slightly grainy texture but blends smoothly in lasagna.

Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?

Yes. No-boil lasagna noodles save time. They soften perfectly in the oven with enough sauce.

How Long Does It Take to Bake Lasagna?

Bake covered for 25 minutes at 375°F. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes for bubbly cheese.

Can I Freeze Cottage Cheese Lasagna?

Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

How Do I Make Lasagna Vegetarian?

Replace meat with cremini mushrooms, diced bell pepper, or spinach. Use marinara sauce.

Conclusion

This easy lasagna recipe with cottage cheese is a must-try. It’s simple, high in protein, and packed with flavor. Use oven-ready noodles and a creamy cheese mixture for a stress-free Italian dinner. Perfect for family meals or meal prepping, this lasagna will become a favorite. Try it tonight! Share your results or variations in the comments below.