Cream Cheese Lasagna
Cream Cheese Lasagna offers a rich and cheesy twist on classic Italian comfort food, blending creamy cheeses with savory meat sauce for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon beef flavored bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/2 (16 oz.) package lasagna noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 cup commercial sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beef and onion in a heavy skillet until meat is browned, stirring to crumble meat; drain.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, dried parsley flakes, Italian seasoning, bouillon granules, and garlic powder. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and beaten eggs; stir well.
- Spoon a small amount of meat sauce into a lightly greased 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Layer with half of the cooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra layer of cream cheese or substituting with ricotta cheese. If you want to lighten the dish, use ground turkey instead of beef or omit the sour cream for a lighter version. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Rita'S Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or a light Italian Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully. For a cozy dinner, consider pairing it with Italian recipes like Stuffed Shells(Italian) for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure it's hot throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 361 calories, with 12g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron.
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 use no-boil lasagna noodles in this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just layer them directly in the baking dish without pre-cooking, and ensure there's enough sauce to keep them moist while baking. The total baking time may need to be extended slightly, depending on the brand of noodles used.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this lasagna vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You can also add lentils for added protein. Ensure the bouillon granules are vegetable-based to maintain the flavors.
Can I freeze this lasagna for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It’s a great make-ahead option.
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).