This isn’t just any lasagna – it’s the kind that feels like a warm hug in a dish. When you’ve had a long, busy day or maybe even a hectic week, this lasagna has the power to instantly comfort and fill you with a sense of home. I remember the first time I had my mom’s version of this cottage cheese lasagna; it was like magic. The rich blend of meats, the perfect balance of cheese, and the savory sauce – every bite was a reminder of all those cozy family dinners.
I’ve made this dish countless times over the years, and each time it feels like I’m cooking for the people I love. The blend of three cheeses (yes, three!) – cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss – is what sets it apart. It’s creamy, savory, and a little nutty with that Swiss. Trust me, even if you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, this version will win you over. You don’t actually taste it in a strange way, but it adds such a luscious, creamy texture to the layers that everyone will rave about.
But what really makes this lasagna the best? It’s simple. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours of preparation. With just a little time and some love, you can make something that feels extravagant, even on a regular Wednesday night. And I promise, once you serve it to your family, they’ll be asking for it again and again.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna can feel intimidating, especially when you think about all the layers and ingredients, but let me tell you – this one is manageable, even for those busy days. The trick is to make sure your pasta is cooked just right. I always boil the noodles until they’re al dente – not too soft, because they’ll cook a little more in the oven. Trust me, you don’t want mushy noodles! Also, make sure the sauce isn’t too watery – I’ve learned that a thick sauce makes for a much richer lasagna. Let the sauce simmer down a bit before layering it, and that will help prevent any sogginess.
As for the cheese filling, don’t skip out on the Swiss. I know it’s not the traditional choice, but it really adds a special touch to this dish. The mozzarella is mild, but the Swiss brings a sweet nuttiness that balances out the tang of the cottage cheese. If you’re really into cheesy goodness, add a little extra mozzarella on top before baking – it’s worth it.
Also, don’t rush the layering process. Take your time when stacking those layers; it might feel a bit tedious, but it’s so worth it when you get that golden, bubbly top layer. Trust me, when it comes to lasagna, patience is key!
How to Make It Ahead of Time
I love making this dish ahead of time, especially when I’m having guests over. You can assemble the lasagna the day before and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. I’ve even prepped it a few days in advance and frozen it. Just make sure you thaw it completely in the fridge before baking. The flavors actually get better as they sit, and the lasagna becomes even more flavorful after a day or two. It’s the perfect dish for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions
Cottage Cheese Lasagna is filling on its own, but I always like to serve it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for that perfect comfort food experience. A simple side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables works great too, balancing out the richness of the lasagna. Honestly, though, I think it’s amazing even just by itself. There’s something so comforting about sitting down with a big plate of lasagna, a glass of red wine (or lemonade, if you’re not in the mood for wine), and the people you love.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which I don’t blame you if you don’t – this lasagna disappears fast), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, and the flavors just keep developing. Sometimes, the leftovers even taste better the next day – when the flavors really have a chance to meld together.
For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna (just make sure it’s tightly wrapped). When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake it until bubbly and golden again. You’ve got yourself a homemade meal that feels as fresh as the first time you made it.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Swiss, you can swap it out for provolone or Gruyère. Or, if you’re craving more of a classic flavor, you can stick with all mozzarella. Don’t be afraid to play with the cheese blend – it’s your lasagna, after all!
Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones. I’ve done this before, and it works wonderfully. Just make sure you cook the noodles a little less than al dente so they don’t get too soft during baking.
Is it okay to freeze the lasagna before baking?
Yes! If you want to prep it ahead of time for a busy week, you can assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and freeze it. Just be sure to bake it for a little longer since it will be cold when it goes in the oven.
Why is the cottage cheese used in the filling?
The cottage cheese creates a creamier texture than ricotta and adds a wonderful richness. It’s a bit unexpected, but it really takes the lasagna to the next level. If you’re a cottage cheese skeptic, don’t worry – it just adds a velvety creaminess that makes the lasagna so satisfying!
Cottage Cheese Lasagna
This lasagna brings all the cheesy, savory goodness with a mix of beef, Italian sausage, three cheeses, and a secret ingredient — cottage cheese. It’s layered with flavor and makes the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 24 oz jar of pasta sauce (marinara works well)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups small curd cottage cheese (full-fat)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded baby Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- For the sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and stir in the garlic, pasta sauce, oregano, pepper, and salt. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
- For the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and lay the noodles flat on aluminum foil to prevent them from sticking together.
- For the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- To assemble: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles lengthwise in the dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and Swiss cheese. Add another layer of noodles, then half of the remaining sauce, followed by all of the cottage cheese mixture. Finish with a final layer of noodles and top with the remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Swiss cheese gives this lasagna a unique, delicious flavor that really makes it stand out!
- You can make this ahead by assembling the lasagna the night before and refrigerating it, then baking when ready.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 833Total Fat 48gSaturated Fat 21gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 170mgSodium 1586mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 4gSugar 10gProtein 54g
Leafyplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although Leafyplated.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
I hope you make this Cottage Cheese Lasagna for your next family dinner or holiday gathering. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, makes your house smell like home, and leaves you with memories to cherish. Enjoy!
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