Cottage Cheese Dream Lasagna
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a lasagna with cottage instead of ricotta? Honestly, I'm obsessed with this tangy recipe . Have you ever made a cottage cheese lasagna recipe before?
Quick Hook
Well, get ready to fall in love! This lasagna isn't just good, it's dreamy . The tanginess of the cottage cheese elevates it. It's a game changer with a lighter texture.
Brief Overview
This lasagna with cottage cheese instead of ricotta has Italian American roots. It is a comfort food classic. This Simply Recipes Lasagna version is easy to make.
It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes in total. It's medium difficulty, and serves 8 people.
Main Benefits
It's a great healthy lasagna recipe , packed with protein. It is a perfect dish for family gatherings. What makes this so special? The cottage cheese adds a unique, fresh twist.
This dish is all about home cooking. It is inspired by a traditional Italian American baked pasta. It's a modern twist that's lighter, more refreshing.
And it will surely appeal to your taste buds.
This recipe gives you an authentic homestyle lasagna recipe with a twist. A blend of savory and tangy, it will have your guests asking for seconds.
It is truly the best easy lasagna to put together for a chill weekend dinner.
So you got your protein and cheese mixture. Let's dive into what you need for this good lasagna recipe !
Ingredients for a Cottage Cheese Dream Lasagna
Time to gather your ingredients. Let's make a light lasagna recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cottage Cheese Dream Lasagna
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this amazing Lasagna with cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Honestly, this Homestyle Lasagna Recipe is so simple, you won't believe it.
I've made this recipe a million times, and everyone loves it, even my picky nephew.
Main Players
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Extra virgin is my go-to. It just adds a richer flavor.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 cup (150g) . Yellow onions are great, but white will do in a pinch.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . I like an 80/20 blend for that perfect fat-to-flavor ratio, but go leaner if you want a Healthy lasagna recipe .
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (800g) . Quality crushed tomatoes make all the difference. Look for ones with no added sugar!
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) .
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce) can (170g) . This adds richness and depth.
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp .
- Dried Basil: 1/2 tsp .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). If you like a little kick!
- Sugar: 1 tsp . Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Cottage Cheese: 24 oz (680g) . Full fat or 2% is best! The star of the show! We're making a Light lasagna recipe by using that.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated (50g) . Freshly grated is the way to go.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped (15g) . Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Lasagna Noodles: 9 oven ready . I love the no-boil ones! Seriously, saves so much time.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups shredded (300g) . Use low-moisture, part skim to avoid a soggy lasagna.
Seasoning Secrets
Oh my gosh, the seasoning is key! Don't skimp here. Salt and pepper are essential, of course. And that oregano and basil combo? Classic .
A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a little zing, if you like that. Sometimes I add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers.
Just remember to take it out before assembling! Making this a Tangy lasagna recipe . You know what also makes a Good Lasagna Recipe
Essential Equipment
You don't need fancy equipment for this Simply Recipes Lasagna . A large Dutch oven or pot for the sauce, a 9x13 inch baking dish , a mixing bowl , and a cheese grater are all you need.
If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large saucepan will work. Just make sure it's big enough to hold all the sauce.
And there you have it. All you need to make my Best Easy Lasagna . Now, let's get cooking!
Cottage Cheese Dream Lasagna: Comfort Food, Elevated
This isn't your Nonna's lasagna. Honestly, it's better! We are swapping the normal ricotta for creamy cottage cheese. It adds a tangy flavour and lighter feel.
This Cottage Cheese Dream Lasagna is total comfort food. Think rich meat sauce, layers of pasta, and lots of melted mozzarella.
Perfect for Sunday dinner!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Lasagna Mise en Place
First things first, get everything ready. Chop 1 large onion . Mince 2 cloves garlic . Measure out all your spices. This mise en place will save you time and stress.
Trust me, organisation is key!. You're looking to save every minute you can, you know?.
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Instructions
- Sauté the onion and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft. This should take about 5 minutes .
- Brown 1 lb ground beef . Break it up in the pan and drain any fat. Nobody likes greasy lasagna.
- Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce , 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste . Add 1 tsp dried oregano , 1/2 tsp dried basil , 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy!), 1 tsp sugar , salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes . Stir it now and then. You want it to thicken up a bit.
- Mix 24 oz cottage cheese , 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , 1/4 cup parsley , 1 egg , salt, and pepper in a bowl. This is your tangy cheese layer.
- Preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Layer everything in a 9x13 inch baking dish : sauce, noodles, cottage cheese mix, mozzarella. Repeat. Top with the remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes covered with foil, then 30 minutes uncovered. The cheese should be golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before cutting.
Level Up Your Lasagna: Pro Tips
Ever made Simply Recipes Lasagna ?. Well, this one's even easier! Don't overcook the noodles! Even oven ready ones get mushy. Underdone is better .
One mistake I use to commit. You need to let it rest!. It helps the lasagna set. Otherwise, it's a sloppy mess.
Honestly, the flavor melds better too. You know?. If you want to make this a Light lasagna recipe you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey.
You will make a Healthy lasagna recipe this way.
So there you have it. A super yummy lasagna with cottage cheese that's easy to make. Get ready for the best homestyle lasagna recipe ever!.
And don't forget that you can use lasagna recipe with crushed tomatoes for more flavor. If you want to experiment you can also try a tangy lasagna recipe .
Recipe Notes for Your Dreamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Alright, so you're diving into this cottage cheese lasagna recipe ! Let's chat about a few things that will make it absolutely sing.
This isn't just about following instructions, it's about making it your good lasagna recipe .
Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate Like a Pro!
Honestly, presentation matters. A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders. Think about serving this family style in the baking dish right on the table.
It feels so much more cozy and inviting, you know? A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
And don't forget some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that tangy lasagna recipe sauce! A glass of red wine would be perfect!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!
Leftovers? Lucky you! Keep your lasagna in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing is totally an option too. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They'll be good for about 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. You can use microwave as well.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Want to lighten things up? This light lasagna recipe is already pretty good because of the cottage cheese, but you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
For a healthy lasagna recipe , load up on veggies like spinach or zucchini.
Or want to make it veggie? Switch out the meat for mushrooms and spinach. You can also substitute ricotta for cottage cheese but the taste will be different
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so a slice of this lasagna with cottage cheese is roughly 450-550 calories . It's got a good dose of protein (35-40g) and carbs (40-45g), plus some fiber (3-4g).
One thing you should know is that it has more sodium content(600-800mg). Remember, these are just estimates. It will also vary if you make this a simply recipes lasagna .
So there you have it! A few extra nuggets of wisdom to make your lasagna experience even better. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your homestyle lasagna recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making lasagna with cottage cheese difficult? I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen!
Don't worry, you don't need Michelin star skills for this! Our Cottage Cheese Dream Lasagna is a medium difficulty recipe. While it involves a few steps making the sauce, the cheese mixture, and layering none of them are overly complicated.
Just follow the instructions and you'll be serving up a delicious lasagna in no time. Think of it like assembling flat pack furniture from IKEA, but way tastier!
Can I make lasagna with cottage ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, but I don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all day!
Absolutely! Lasagna is actually a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like a culinary slow burn that builds flavor!
How do I store leftover lasagna with cottage cheese, and how long will it last?
Leftover lasagna is a gift that keeps on giving! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or bake larger portions in the oven until heated through. Just don't let it sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
My family isn't keen on ground beef. Can I substitute something else in this lasagna with cottage cheese recipe?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef. You could also use Italian sausage (remove the casings and brown it). For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and create your perfect lasagna!
Is there anything I can add to make this cottage cheese lasagna healthier?
You bet! You can use reduced fat cottage cheese and mozzarella to cut down on the fat content. Adding extra vegetables to the meat sauce, like chopped carrots or bell peppers, will boost the nutrients and fiber. You could even substitute whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber.
Think of it as sneaking in some goodness without sacrificing flavor!
Help! My lasagna with cottage cheese is watery after baking. What did I do wrong?
A watery lasagna is a common problem, but easily fixable! Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning it. Also, be sure to let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and the excess moisture to absorb.
If all else fails, try adding a little cornstarch to the meat sauce to thicken it up.
Cottage Cheese Dream Lasagna
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |