Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna in a white ceramic baking dish, baked to golden perfection with bubbling cheese. A slice is being lifted, revealing its rich layers of meat sauce, pasta, and creamy cottage cheese. Recipe available on FoodForYourGood.com — Indulge in this Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna, a rich and cheesy twist on the classic! Perfectly layered with hearty meat sauce, smooth cottage cheese, and golden melted mozzarella. Get the full recipe at FoodForYourGood.com

Lasagna lovers, get ready for a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite! This Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna is packed with layers of rich flavor, melty cheese, and a perfectly seasoned meat sauce. But here’s the secret—we’re swapping ricotta for mashed cottage cheese! Not only does it create an ultra-smooth, creamy texture, but it also adds a protein boost without sacrificing that classic lasagna goodness.

Now, you might be wondering—why cottage cheese? Believe it or not, this swap has been around for decades! Many home cooks in the U.S. started using cottage cheese in lasagna as a budget-friendly alternative to ricotta. Over time, it became a go-to choice for those who love a slightly lighter, extra-creamy filling.

Even better, this lasagna is easy to make, family-friendly, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and that perfect cheesy bite every single time. Let’s make the best lasagna ever—without the ricotta!

Recipe Yield: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

12 oz lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
2 ½ cups marinara sauce (use high-quality for the best taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups cottage cheese, mashed until smooth
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brown the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

2. Prepare the cottage cheese mixture: Mash the cottage cheese in a bowl until smooth. Stir in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for added richness.

3. Layer the lasagna: Spread ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, ½ of the mashed cottage cheese mixture, ½ cup mozzarella, and ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat this layering process once more. Top with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella + ¼ cup Parmesan.

4. Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

5. Rest & serve: Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Mash the cottage cheese well for the creamiest, thickest texture. A fork or food processor works great!
Use oven-ready noodles if you want to skip boiling, just add an extra ½ cup of sauce to keep them moist.
Let it rest before slicing—this prevents the layers from sliding apart.

Callie92 says:
March 17, 2025 at 5:49 PM
This is one lasagna I can’t wait to try—do you have any tips for making it even more savory?
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- Kate @Food For Your Good says:
  March 17, 2025 at 7:09 PM
  For an extra savory boost, roast some mushrooms and zucchini until golden, then layer them in with the cheese. Trust me, it’ll be delicious!
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