Description
This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a protein-packed, creamy twist on the classic comfort food. Made with layers of hearty meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a rich cottage cheese and mozzarella mixture, this lasagna is both nutritious and incredibly flavorful. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this high-protein lasagna is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
- For a vegetarian option, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
- For a dairy-free option, swap cottage cheese with dairy-free ricotta and use vegan cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
