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To make a tasty cottage cheese lasagna, you need some key ingredients: - 9 lasagna noodles - 2 cups cottage cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a creamy and delicious dish. The cottage cheese adds richness, while the marinara brings a tangy flavor. You can add extra flavors or textures to your lasagna with these optional ingredients: - Fresh basil for garnish - Ground meat (like beef or turkey) - Zucchini or mushrooms for added veggies - Different cheese, like cheddar or feta Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy! Before you start cooking, gather the right tools. Here’s what you need: - Large pot for boiling noodles - Mixing bowl for cheese mixture - 9x13 inch baking dish for layering - Aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking - Oven to bake your lasagna Having these items ready will help your cooking process go smoothly. Enjoy making this comforting meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the lasagna cooks evenly. Next, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cook the lasagna noodles as per the package directions. Aim for al dente, which means they should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. They will be ready for layering soon. Now, let’s make the cheese blend. In a big mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cottage cheese and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Add 1 large egg to bind everything together. Next, stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. This adds color and nutrients! Season with 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully combined. This creamy mixture will be a star in your lasagna. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by pouring 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Next, spoon half of your cheese mixture over the noodles. Spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Pour another cup of marinara sauce over the mozzarella. Repeat this layering process with 3 more noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, and more mozzarella. Finish with the last 3 noodles, the rest of the marinara sauce, and top with the last cup of mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Now it’s time to bake! Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. This helps the cheese bubble up and turn golden. Once done, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you want. Enjoy your delicious cottage cheese lasagna! To keep your lasagna from getting soggy, use these tips: - Cook your noodles al dente. This means they should be firm. They will soften more in the oven. - Drain excess moisture from ingredients. If using fresh spinach, squeeze out extra water. This helps keep your layers dry. - Layer wisely. Use a good amount of sauce, but don’t drown the noodles. It should coat them lightly. Lasagna pairs well with many sides. Here are my favorites: - Garlic bread. Its crunchy texture complements soft lasagna. - Caesar salad. The crisp greens add freshness to the meal. - Roasted vegetables. They bring color and health to your plate. Getting the cheese ratio right is key for creamy lasagna. Here’s how: - Use a mix of cheeses. Cottage cheese and ricotta add creaminess. Mozzarella gives that gooey texture. - Don’t skimp on the cheese. More cheese means more flavor. Just be careful not to overload it. - Consider adding Parmesan. It adds a sharp taste and a wonderful crust when baked. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and texture in your lasagna. Layer Wisely: Ensure even distribution of the cheese mixture and sauce in each layer to avoid dry spots and enhance flavor. Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes for cleaner slices. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even cooked ground meat for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian cottage cheese lasagna. Just add more veggies. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can even use roasted eggplant for a rich flavor. For more greens, add kale or broccoli. Mix these into the cheese layer. You can keep the same marinara sauce. This way, you get a colorful and tasty dish! If you love meat, make a meat lover’s version. Ground beef or sausage both work well. Brown the meat in a pan before adding it to the layers. Mix the cooked meat into the cottage cheese mix or layer it between the noodles. You can also use cooked chicken for a lighter meal. This adds protein and makes your lasagna heartier. For a gluten-free lasagna, use gluten-free noodles. Many brands offer them, and they taste great! Make sure to check the package for cooking times. You can also try thin slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles. This creates a low-carb option. Just layer the slices like regular noodles. Both choices keep the dish delicious and satisfying. After you finish your meal, let the lasagna cool down. Cut it into pieces. Use an airtight container to keep the leftovers. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze cottage cheese lasagna, first, let it cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Then, cover it with aluminum foil. This helps keep out air and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating lasagna is simple. If you're using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 25 minutes or until it is hot. You can also reheat individual pieces in the microwave. Just heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty lasagna! Yes, you can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Cottage cheese adds a nice texture. It also has a similar flavor. Mixing it with an egg makes it creamy. This swap keeps the dish light and tasty. You can store homemade lasagna in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving. If you don’t have fresh spinach, try using frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it well first. You can also use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute. Both will add great flavor and nutrients to your lasagna. Cottage cheese lasagna is easy and fun to make. You learned the key ingredients, how to layer them, and tips to avoid soggy layers. You can customize the recipe with different meats or veggies. Remember to properly store any leftovers for later enjoyment. Using the right techniques can make your lasagna both delicious and satisfying. Try making it your way, and enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Cottage Cheese Delight Lasagna

A delicious lasagna layered with cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, chopped spinach, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
  • Spoon half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the cheese mixture.
  • Add 1 cup of marinara sauce over the mozzarella, and then layer 3 more lasagna noodles on top. Repeat the cheese mixture and mozzarella layer. Add the last 3 noodles on top, followed by the remaining marinara sauce and the last cup of mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of mozzarella.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  • Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Let the lasagna rest before slicing for easier serving.
Keyword cottage cheese, lasagna, vegetarian