Ultimate Easy Dinner Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese
This Easy Dinner Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese is a family-friendly, satisfying dish that will curb your lasagna cravings! Featuring creamy cottage cheese, tender pasta, and a rich meat sauce, this lasagna is lighter than traditional versions yet just as comforting. Its straightforward steps and customizable options make it perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Let’s dive in and create your next favorite lasagna with this Easy Dinner Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese!
Why This Easy Dinner Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese Stands Out
This lasagna recipe offers a refreshing spin on the classic, replacing ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-rich, creamy alternative without the extra heaviness. Here are a few reasons this Easy Dinner Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese will quickly become a household favourite:
Simplified Preparation
Simplified steps and accessible ingredients make this lasagna a breeze for any home cook. Therefore, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty without extra hassle.
Healthier Cheese Swap
Cottage cheese is a lower-calorie, high-protein alternative to ricotta, making each bite more nutritious without sacrificing taste. In addition, it adds a subtle, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the pasta and meat sauce.
Versatile and Adaptable
This recipe accommodates dietary needs easily. For instance, you can make it vegetarian, add extra veggies, or use gluten-free noodles, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Perfect for Make-Ahead and Freezing
Lasagna is a fantastic meal to prepare in advance. This recipe holds up well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner on busy days with minimal effort.
Ingredients Overview
To make this satisfying lasagna, gather these simple ingredients:
- Lasagna Noodles: 12 sheets, cooked al dente to layer in the casserole.
- Ground Beef or Turkey: 1 lb, browned for a hearty, savoury base. Use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for browning the meat and enhancing flavour.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped to add sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for extra richness.
- Tomato Sauce: 24 oz jar of plain or Italian-style tomato sauce.
- Cottage Cheese: 2 cups, full-fat or low-fat, to replace traditional ricotta.
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the cottage cheese mixture and add a creamy texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded for a bubbly, golden top layer.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, finely grated for extra flavour.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional, as a garnish for a pop of colour and freshness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning each layer.
Customization Options for Dietary Needs
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground meat and substitute with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles for a dish ideal for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese and mozzarella with dairy-free versions, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Easy Dinner Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Start by boiling water in a big pot, adding a pinch of salt as it heats. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them until al dente, typically around 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and spread them on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
Begin by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, allowing it to heat thoroughly. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté for around 3–4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Next, incorporate the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart as it cooks, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Finally, pour in the tomato sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer on low to develop flavour for about 10 minutes.
Make the Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
mozzarella on top.
Assemble the Lasagna
For reheating, place in an oven preheated to 350°F preheat. Allow it to preheat fully. Evenly spread a light layer of meat. Layer a thin sauce coating across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a slightly overlapping layer of noodles over the sauce to cover the dish. Spread some cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final sprinkle of mozzarella on top.
Bake the Lasagna
Wrap the dish in foil and place it in the oven to bake for 30 minutes. Take off the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese becomes fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Dinner Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
- Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezing: Slice into individual portions, wrap each tightly, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- For reheating: Set in a preheated 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat briefly to maintain moisture and ensure optimal results.
FAQs
- Is ricotta an option in place of cottage cheese? Definitely! Ricotta makes a wonderful substitute if you prefer a creamier texture over cottage cheese.
Enjoy preparing this dish, and savour every delicious bite of this comforting lasagna!