All the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna but with a lighter, healthier twist!
Warm, hearty lasagna is the feel-good meal of the century, right? That ooey-gooey cheese, delicious meat, and al-dente pasta layers… it’s the mother of all comfort foods. Traditional lasagna (so tasty) can be a little gut-bust-y, though, if you are looking to eat lighter or reduce calorie intake.
This is where Cottage Cheese Lasagna comes in – a healthier version of an old household fave that is as hearty, full-bodied and tasty as the real kind without all the excess weight. We use cottage cheese to keep it low fat and I skip any type of ricotta due it is so high in fat/calories. This not only lightens the dish but gives you even more protein, a win for people trying to eat better without compromising flavor.
Which is why this Cottage Cheese Lasagna recipe might just be one of my all-time favorite keeper recipes because there’s a lasagna for dinner situation and Single Serving Meal Prep Situation throughout the week.
🥘 Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this lighter Cottage Cheese Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles – Use traditional or whole wheat for added fiber.
- 2 cups cottage cheese – Go for low-fat or regular, depending on your preference.
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey – You can also opt for ground chicken.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Homemade or store-bought, choose your favorite.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Part-skim is a great option for cutting calories.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds that extra bit of salty, nutty flavor.
- 1 egg – Helps bind the cottage cheese mixture together.
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs – Think basil, oregano, thyme.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Fresh parsley – Optional, for garnish.
These ingredients are simple and easily customizable depending on your dietary needs or taste preferences. Now let’s get into the fun part – making the lasagna!
🧑🍳 Instructions:
- Heating the stove: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow your lasagna to cook evenly and develop that golden, bubbly crust on top.
- Prepare the lasagna noodles: In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the lasagna noodles al dente, following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the ground meat over medium heat in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off excess fat, then add marinara sauce, and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Make the cottage cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna: Layer the lasagna starting with a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by lasagna noodles, cottage cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Repeat 3 times, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it rest: Remove lasagna from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy: Top with fresh parsley and serve with salad or crusty bread. Enjoy!
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380-420 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Why Cottage Cheese?
You may wonder why we substitute ricotta for cottage cheese. While ricotta is wonderfully creamy and flavorful, it’s higher in fat and calories than cottage cheese, which makes it a great lighter alternative.
Here are some key reasons to make the switch:
- Lower in Calories and Fat: Cottage cheese is lower in calories and fat compared to part-skim ricotta, making it ideal for those watching their calorie intake.
- High in Protein: Cottage cheese provides extra protein to help you feel fuller for longer, which is great for those focusing on protein-rich meals.
- Calcium and Nutrients: Cottage cheese is rich in calcium, supporting bone health, making it a nutritious alternative to ricotta.
- Great for Texture: Though cottage cheese is slightly lumpier than ricotta, it blends well with mozzarella and Parmesan to create a creamy lasagna layer.
Customize Your Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna is so adaptable, which makes it one of the best things ever. The great thing about this recipe is that you can literally switch out things easily to suit your diet or preferences! Here are some variations for this Cottage Cheese Lasagna:
1. Vegetarian Option:
For vegetarians or those trying to eat less meat, sub in veggies for the ground beef or turkey. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers make a great addition to lasagna. You could also toss in some lentils for extra protein and fiber.
2. Gluten-Free Lasagna:
Turn this into a gluten-free lasagna by using your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles in place of the regular ones. Thankfully, there are many good gluten-free pasta brands that make delicious alternatives, and most truly taste like the real thing.
3. Extra Protein Boost:
Need to up the protein in your lasagna? Unflavored protein powder in the cottage cheese mixture or extra lean meat like ground chicken or turkey sausage can be added to the meat sauce.
4. Cheesy Variations:
Try adding different cheeses if you’re a cheese lover. Gouda, fontina, or even a sweet nutty cheddar can work wonders. This recipe is a bit light on cheese to keep the fat count lower, but feel free to adjust to your liking—just note that extra cheese will add to the calories and fat!
5. Make it Ahead:
Lasagna is perfect for making in advance. Prepare up to the baking step, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake. Or, freeze the assembled lasagna for up to 3 months. If frozen, be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna is a hearty meal on its own, but if you’d like to round out your plate, here are a few side dish ideas that pair perfectly with this Cottage Cheese Lasagna:
- Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and tomato with a basic vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the lasagna.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t have lasagna without garlic bread. Try a whole wheat baguette with a light coat of garlic-infused olive oil.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a change in texture and added flavor.
Final Thoughts
A clean eating lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up your favorite comfort foods. This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is rich, delicious, and made lighter for a healthier option. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Mixing fiber from beans with whole grains keeps health in mind while maintaining flavor.
For more delicious, lighter comfort food recipes, check out our Healthy Italian Recipes post. And if you want to dive deeper into the health benefits of cottage cheese, take a look at The Power of Protein for more insights.
Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out! 😊