Cottage Lasagna(Scaled For 8 Servings)
Cottage Lasagna combines rich beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella in a hearty, comforting dish with flavorful tomato sauces and herbs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its layered structure offers a satisfying mix of textures and savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, tossing lightly with a fork; drain off fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook lasagna noodles; drain and rinse in cold water.
- In a 7 x 11 x 2-inch baking dish, spread one-third of the sauce.
- Layer half of the noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese and half of the parsley flakes over the noodles.
- Repeat with the remaining sauce, noodles, cottage cheese, and parsley flakes.
- Top with strips of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic to the ground beef before browning. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own. For a healthier twist, substitute half of the ground beef with turkey or lean ground chicken. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cottage Lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with The Very Best Spaghetti Sauce for those who want extra sauce on the side. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cottage Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cottage Lasagna(Scaled For 8 Servings) contains roughly 299 calories, with 22g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cottage Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze Cottage Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese for a creamier texture. Greek yogurt can also be used as a lower-fat alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly. Choose whichever option fits your taste and dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).