How to Make Delicious Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has won the hearts of foodies all around the world. It is a layered pasta dish that is often filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. While many people use ricotta cheese to fill their lasagna, did you know that cottage cheese can work just as well? In this article, we will show you how to make delicious lasagna with cottage cheese, step by step.

One of the reasons why cottage cheese is a great alternative to ricotta is that it has a milder taste and a creamier texture. It is also lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier option for those who are watching their diet. We will be using cottage cheese in place of ricotta in this lasagna recipe, but feel free to experiment and add your own spin on it! So, let’s get started, and make some mouth-watering lasagna with cottage cheese.

Ingredients for Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

To make a delicious lasagna with cottage cheese, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

1 lb lasagna noodles, 1 lb ground beef, 2 cans of tomato sauce, 1 can of tomato paste, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 16 oz cottage cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 cup water.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

4. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.

5. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.

7. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

8. To assemble the lasagna, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

9. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, making sure to overlap them slightly.

10. Spread a layer of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.

11. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.

12. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

14. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The Final Result

Voila! You’ve made a delicious lasagna with cottage cheese that’s sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests.

The cottage cheese adds a creamy texture to the lasagna, and the combination of the beef and tomato sauce creates an irresistible flavor. Serve the lasagna hot with a fresh salad on the side and enjoy every bite.

10 Steps to Making Delicious Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Lasagna is a popular and delicious dish, but have you tried making it with cottage cheese? Cottage cheese is a healthier alternative to ricotta, and it adds a unique flavor to the dish. Here are 10 easy steps to making delicious lasagna with cottage cheese:

Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce

The first step in making lasagna is to prepare the meat sauce. Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet and drain any excess fat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until the onion is tender. Add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Cottage Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of cottage cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Lasagna Noodles

Cook 12 lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay the noodles out in a single layer on a clean surface or lightly oiled baking sheet.

Step 4: Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of flour and whisk until smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assembling the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce, and 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of noodles, cottage cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Roll up the remaining 3 noodles and place them on top. Pour the béchamel sauce over the lasagna, covering the noodles completely. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Baking the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the noodles are tender.

Step 7: Let the Lasagna Cool

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Step 9: Storing the Lasagna

If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely, then cover with aluminum foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Step 10: Reheating the Lasagna

To reheat, place a portion of the lasagna in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Subheading 3: Steps to make lasagna with cottage cheese

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, with its layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese. Adding cottage cheese to the mix makes for an even richer and creamier dish. Here are the steps to make lasagna with cottage cheese:

Step 1: Gather the ingredients

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For the lasagna, you will need:

– 12 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 (24-ounce) jar of pasta sauce
– 1 (15-ounce) container of cottage cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste

Step 2: Cook the noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the meat

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Mix the cottage cheese filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Step 5: Assemble the lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly. Spread one-third of the cottage cheese filling over the noodles, then top with one-third of the meat mixture and one-third of the remaining pasta sauce. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a layer of sauce. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is hot and bubbly. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Finally, serve the homemade lasagna with a green salad and garlic bread. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, follow these simple steps and enjoy a delicious plate of lasagna with cottage cheese.

Time to Dig In!

And that’s it! You’ve learned how to make lasagna with cottage cheese – super easy and super tasty. Now it’s time to try it for yourself! Don’t forget to share your cooking experience with your friends and family. Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll visit again later for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!