Working Parent'S Overnight Lasagna
A comforting overnight lasagna with layers of noodles, cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, infused with herbs, perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the lasagna noodles in half and set aside.
- Stir oregano and basil into the cottage cheese.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Spread enough sauce on the bottom of a deep 8 or 9-inch square pan to cover the surface.
- Layer 1/3 of the broken noodles over the sauce, breaking and overlapping as needed.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and one-third of the remaining sauce.
- Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Uncover and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
- Top with the reserved mozzarella and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an egg to the cottage cheese mixture. You can substitute ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile. If short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles, although cooking regular noodles enhances the dish's texture. Fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor; try adding chopped parsley or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This lasagna pairs beautifully with Italian Spaghetti Gravy for an extra burst of flavor. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Working Parent'S Overnight Lasagna contains roughly 499 calories, with 34g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (138% of the Daily Value), iron (127% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% 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 this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, this lasagna is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to allow extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge when you put it in the oven.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can substitute ricotta cheese or even cream cheese for the cottage cheese. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still create a delicious lasagna.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagna after baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).