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.
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