Lightened-Up Comfort: Easy Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese

I’ll admit it: I grew up thinking ricotta was the only way to make lasagna. But the first time I tried a lasagna recipe with cottage cheese, I was hooked. Not only does it deliver that same rich, creamy texture, but it also adds a lighter, slightly tangy bite that balances the hearty meat and sauce layers beautifully.

This lasagna recipe with cottage cheese is a go-to in my house for Sunday dinners, meal prep, and even when company’s coming. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but cozy and comforting enough for a special occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra protein without weighing the dish down.

Whether you’re swapping out ricotta for dietary reasons or simply want to try something new, this version might just become your favorite. Trust me, the result is nothing short of delicious.

The Secret Sauce Behind This Flavor-Packed Lasagna

There are a few standout reasons this lasagna recipe with cottage cheese deserves a place in your kitchen rotation:

First, cottage cheese is incredibly creamy but lower in fat and calories than traditional ricotta. It also has a higher protein content, making this a more filling, well-rounded dish. When blended or mashed slightly, it mimics ricotta in texture, while adding a fresh, subtle tang that keeps each bite from feeling overly rich.

This recipe is endlessly customizable. You can use ground beef, turkey, or a veggie filling. Add spinach to the cheese mixture for more greens, or opt for gluten-free noodles to accommodate different diets.

It also freezes beautifully. You can make one large pan for dinner and stash leftovers or even prep two smaller trays and freeze one for later. Reheats like a dream.

Recipe Card

Easy Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

This easy lasagna recipe with cottage cheese is hearty, protein-packed, and full of flavor. A great make-ahead meal that freezes well.

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Ingredients

• 500 g 500 ground beef or turkey

• 1 jar 1 (680g) marinara or pasta sauce

• 9 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)

• 2 cups 2 cottage cheese

• 1 1 egg

• 2 cups 2 shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp 1 dried basil

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 salt

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 black pepper

• Olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic and add ground meat. Cook until browned. Stir in pasta sauce. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes.
• In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and basil.
• In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer noodles, cottage cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat until done.
• Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let rest 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• For a smoother filling, blend the cottage cheese before layering.
• Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 32g

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Pro Tips for Cottage Cheese Lasagna Success

• Drain the cottage cheese: Especially if using full-fat or traditional cottage cheese, drain off excess liquid so the lasagna doesn’t get watery.
• Add an egg: Mix one egg into the cottage cheese for better binding and a more ricotta-like texture.
• Blend for a smoother filling: If you prefer the cheese layer smooth and uniform, give the cottage cheese a quick blend before layering.
• Use no-boil noodles with care: Make sure there’s enough sauce if you’re using no-boil lasagna noodles—they’ll need extra moisture to soften properly.
• Let it rest before slicing: Once baked, give the lasagna 10 to 15 minutes to set. This prevents the layers from sliding apart and makes for clean slices.

Lasagna Layering 101: Simple Steps to Build Perfect Layers

One of the most common questions I get from readers is, “What’s the correct order for layering lasagna?” Whether you’re making a traditional version or this lasagna recipe with cottage cheese, nailing the order ensures even cooking and full flavor in every bite.

Here’s my go-to layering pattern:

1. Start with sauce at the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking
2. Layer of noodles (boiled or no-boil)
3. Spread cottage cheese mixture
4. Add meat sauce or veggie mix
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella
6. Repeat the layers until the pan is full
7. Finish with sauce and a generous layer of cheese on top

Stick to this structure and you’ll end up with a beautiful, sliceable, crowd-pleasing lasagna every time.

Variants of the Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese

1. Vegetarian Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Skip the meat and layer in sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add a little nutmeg to the cottage cheese mixture for a subtle, warm flavor that balances the vegetables.

2. Spinach and Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Mix thawed frozen spinach (squeezed dry) into the cottage cheese for a more nutritious, herbaceous filling. Perfect for kids who don’t love veggies—they won’t even notice the greens.

3. Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles or even thin slices of zucchini or eggplant as a substitute. Just remember to salt and roast the veggies first to remove moisture.

4. Low-Carb Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Use deli turkey or zucchini slices instead of pasta sheets, and pair it with a hearty meat sauce and cottage cheese. It’s lighter but still super filling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts: Lasagna Night, Reinvented

This lasagna recipe with cottage cheese delivers everything you love about the classic dish, melty cheese, rich sauce, and satisfying layers, without the heaviness. It’s easy to adapt, kid-friendly, and always a hit whether you serve it to a crowd or freeze leftovers for future you.

If you’ve been on the fence about cottage cheese in lasagna, I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new. You just might never go back to ricotta.

Want more cozy comfort food ideas? Try my:

• Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe
• Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese
• High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust