Cottage Cheese Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Cottage cheese lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that combines layers of hearty flavors and creamy textures. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With its rich filling and gooey cheese topping, this lasagna is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some protein and calcium into your meal, making it a healthy choice too!
A Personal Story Behind My Cottage Cheese Lasagna Journey
Growing up, lasagna was a staple in my household, often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings. My grandmother had a special twist on the recipe, incorporating cottage cheese for added richness. This cottage cheese lasagna not only reminds me of those cherished family moments but also brings comfort and warmth to anyone who tries it. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, and I’m excited to share it with you!
What Makes This Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe Special?
This cottage cheese lasagna is special for many reasons. First, it combines both ground beef and Italian sausage, giving it a robust flavor profile that is hard to resist. The use of cottage cheese instead of ricotta makes it a bit lighter while still providing that creamy texture we all love. Additionally, the layers of mozzarella and Swiss cheese create a deliciously cheesy topping that is simply irresistible. This recipe is also easily customizable for those who prefer a vegetarian option or want to experiment with different cheeses.
The Full Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat small curd cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded baby Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This helps prevent the lasagna from sticking.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep your lasagna from becoming greasy.
- Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add a swirl of oil to prevent sticking, and then cook the lasagna noodles for 2 minutes less than the package directions. This ensures they don’t become too soft while baking. Once cooked, drain and lay them out on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Now it’s time to layer the lasagna! Start with a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Place 4 noodles on top, then spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Next, add 4 more noodles followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Spread all of the cottage cheese mixture over the last layer of noodles, followed by 4 more noodles, then pour the rest of the meat sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Swiss cheese over everything.
- Bake the lasagna for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese has turned a lovely golden brown. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Cottage cheese lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by serving it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread. For a delightful twist, consider adding some spinach or zucchini to the layers. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with a variety of roasted vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit any dietary preference!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze cottage cheese lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta cheese for a creamier texture, though cottage cheese gives a unique flavor and texture that many enjoy.
Recipe Stats:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories per Serving: 540
- Servings: 8
Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish For assembling and baking the lasagna.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 unit yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1.5 cup cottage cheese full-fat small curd
- 1 unit egg
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 12 unit lasagna noodles
- 3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cup baby Swiss cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add a swirl of oil, and cook the lasagna noodles for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and lay them out on parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer the lasagna: Start with a thin layer of meat sauce, then 4 noodles, half of the cheese mixture, 4 more noodles, half of the remaining sauce, all of the cottage cheese mix, 4 more noodles, the rest of the sauce, and finally, the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and cheese is browned. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.