A delicious lasagna recipe! Made with rich ground beef, smooth cottage cheese, and easy no-cook noodles, this dish is a great twist on the classic. It’s quick to prepare, super satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner that everyone will enjoy!

Family of four eating dinner with Classic Italian Lasagna as the main dish on the table

Lasagna Recipe

Wait, cottage cheese in lasagna? I know, it sounds a little wild, but hang with me. I used to think lasagna was all about ricotta, but this version with cottage cheese and ground beef is a game-changer! This lasagna recipe is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Four People

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

Ground beef browning in a skillet with marinara sauce simmering.

1. To save time preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and in a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes, until browned. Drain the excess fat, then add marinara sauce and let it simmer for 3 minutes.

Mixing bowl with cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

2. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Thin layer of meat sauce spread in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish

3. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture, then half of the shredded mozzarella

Assembling lasagna with layers of meat sauce, noodles, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella, topped with Parmesan and mozzarella.

4. Add another layer of meat sauce, noodles, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Top with the final 3 noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and mozzarella.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

6. Let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

  • Cook Noodles Al Dente: Don’t overcook your lasagna noodles; they’ll cook more while baking.
  • Freeze for Later: Lasagna freezes well! Assemble, freeze before baking, and then cook when you’re ready.
  • Add Veggies: Sneak in veggies like zucchini or spinach for an extra nutrient boost.
  • Saucy Secret: Make sure your sauce is a bit saucy so it keeps the lasagna from drying out in the oven.
  • Cheese on Top: For an extra crispy cheese layer, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Benefits of This Shrimp Salad Recipe

  • Family-Friendly: This lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
  • Protein-Packed: With ground beef and cottage cheese, it’s a protein-packed meal.
  • Easy to Make: No fancy techniques needed, just simple layering and baking.
  • Budget-Friendly: Cottage cheese is an affordable alternative to ricotta without sacrificing taste.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week long.

Important Things About This Recipe

  • Cottage Cheese Twist: Don’t knock it until you try it! The cottage cheese adds a creamy texture without the richness of ricotta.
  • Perfect for Freezing: You can prep and freeze this lasagna for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal fast.
  • Customizable: From adding veggies to changing up the cheeses, this lasagna is super flexible to fit your taste preferences.
  • Layering is Key: Don’t rush the layering process—taking your time will give you a perfectly stacked, flavorful dish.
  • Always a Hit: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this lasagna recipe will be a favorite at the table!

Variations

  • Vegetarian Lasagna: Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
  • Spicy Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick!
  • Cheese Lovers: Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese if you’re a die-hard traditionalist.

More Recipes Ideas

A close-up of a delicious lasagna featuring layers of ground beef, cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, garnished with fresh parsley.

Delicious Lasagna Recipe

Pamela J. Willis
This easy lasagna recipe combines cottage cheese and ground beef for a fun twist on the classic Italian dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 384 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 cooked lasagna noodles
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes, until browned. Drain the excess fat, then add marinara sauce and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Lay 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture, then half of the shredded mozzarella.
  • Add another layer of meat sauce, noodles, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella.
  • Top with the final 3 noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and mozzarella.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  • Let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Cottage Cheese Swap: I know, cottage cheese in lasagna feels non-traditional, but it adds a creamy texture that’s surprisingly delicious. You can totally swap it for ricotta if you’re a traditionalist!
  2. Noodles First: Make sure to layer the noodles first to prevent sticking and help the lasagna hold its shape better.
  3. Cheese Combo: I love using mozzarella and Parmesan together. The mozzarella melts beautifully, while the Parmesan gives a savory kick.
  4. Let it Rest: After baking, let your lasagna rest for 10 minutes to make it easier to cut. Plus, it helps all those flavors soak in!
  5. Leftovers: Lasagna is even better the next day. Just reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, delicious meal.
Nutritional Details (per serving):
  • Protein: 32g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 980mg
Keyword Cheesy bake, Classic, Easy dinner prep, Family Favorite, Hearty layers

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