This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a high-protein twist on the classic comfort dish. Made with layers of ground beef, turkey sausage, a rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cottage cheese mixture, this recipe is both delicious and satisfying. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese adds extra protein while keeping the dish creamy and light.
Rich & Flavorful: Made with a combination of beef, turkey sausage, and three types of cheese.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
Classic Comfort Food: All the flavors of traditional lasagna with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

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

Lasagna & Marinara Sauce

9 lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 pound turkey sausage (or Italian sausage)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Mixture

16 oz full-fat cottage cheese
5 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
1 egg
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, 2 minutes less than the recommended time. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet.

Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add ground beef and turkey sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, then add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, 3 cups of mozzarella, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture, and another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat with another 3 noodles, the remaining cottage cheese mixture, and more meat sauce.
Finish with the final 3 noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella.

Bake & Serve

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
Dairy-Free: Try dairy-free ricotta instead of cottage cheese and vegan cheese alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual slices.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but full-fat gives the creamiest texture.

Does the lasagna taste like cottage cheese?

No, the cottage cheese blends with the mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a creamy, cheesy texture similar to ricotta.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Choose your favorite brand for convenience.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Drain the diced tomatoes and let the meat sauce simmer to reduce excess liquid.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work great in this recipe.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta cheese is a great substitute if you prefer a more traditional lasagna.

Can I make this lasagna without eggs?

Yes, but the egg helps bind the cheese mixture together. You can replace it with a flax egg or leave it out.

What’s the best way to cut lasagna neatly?

Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.

What side dishes go well with lasagna?

Serve with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy, and protein-packed twist on a classic dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s rich in flavor and easy to customize. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!