When you’re planning a meal featuring my Lazy Lasagna with Cottage Cheese, you’ll want to consider some equally easy and delicious side dishes. Here are a few perfect pairings, Garlic bread, Caesar salad, Steamed vegetables, Red wine.
Today, we’re diving into the comforting world of Lazy Lasagna with Cottage Cheese. This recipe is your new best friend if you crave homemade lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and downright delicious.
I love this recipe because it’s a wonderful shortcut to traditional lasagna. Imagine a dish that retains all the flavors of a classic but gets from your counter to your belly in half the time. Plus, it’s flexible and forgiving. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this dish will make you feel like a culinary rockstar.
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How I Have Used the Ingredients
I’ve included some ingredients you might find both surprising and delightful. Let me walk you through my thought process. First, cottage cheese. Yes, cottage cheese! It might not be the first cheese that comes to mind, but trust me, it adds a lovely creaminess without the heaviness of ricotta. It’s also protein-packed, making the dish a bit more nutritious.
Next is plain Greek yogurt. This ingredient helps bind everything together and adds a touch of tanginess that brightens the flavors. Ground beef or turkey provides hearty, satisfying protein. I incline toward ground turkey when I’m feeling a bit health-conscious.
The pasta sauce is where you can have some fun. I prefer using reduced sugar varieties to keep things balanced. Fresh ingredients like garlic and basil add that special homemade touch.
Ingredients List
- 1 Container Plain Greek Yogurt (16 ounces)
- 1 Pound Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
- 1 Jar Pasta Sauce (24-28 Ounces, preferably with Reduced Sugar)
- 8 Ounces Egg Noodles
- 4 Cups Fat-Free Cottage Cheese (Adjust to 2 Cups depending on brand)
- 1 ½ Cups Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1-2 Cloves Garlic, Minced (Optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, Chopped (Optional, for added freshness)
- Salt (Optional)
- Seasoning Blend (Optional)
- Black Pepper (Optional)
- Mixed Herbs (Optional)
How to Make Lazy Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready by the time you’ve prepped everything else.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions. Typically, this takes about 7-8 minutes until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
Step 4: Mix the Meat and Sauce
Add your jar of pasta sauce to the cooked meat. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes. If you’re using garlic, add it now for extra flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, start layering. Begin with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of cooked noodles. Next, spread an even layer of cottage cheese, then a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Recipe Notes
Cottage Cheese: This cheese substitutes the traditional ricotta, offering a lighter texture while still providing a creamy richness. Choose low-fat or full-fat based on your preference.
Greek Yogurt: Acts as a binding agent and adds a tangy note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. Plain, full-fat works best here.
Ground Meat: You can use either ground beef or turkey. For a leaner option, turkey is fantastic, but beef gives a rich, robust flavor.
Pasta Sauce: Opt for a low-sugar variety to avoid the dish becoming too sweet. You can also use homemade sauce if time allows.
Egg Noodles: These cook quickly and are less heavy than traditional lasagna noodles. They absorb the flavors beautifully.
Optional Ingredients: Garlic and basil add a fresh, aromatic touch. Feel free to sprinkle in your favorite seasoning blend or mixed herbs to elevate the flavor even more.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle kick.
- Cheese Lover: Mix in more cheese varieties like provolone or fontina for extra gooey goodness.
- Low Carb: Use zucchini slices instead of pasta for a low-carb twist.
Nutrition Information
Lazy lasagna with cottage cheese
Equipment
- oven
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Container Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 Pound Ground Beef – or Ground Turkey
- 1 Jar Pasta Sauce – 24-28 Ounces preferably with Reduced Sugar
- 8 Ounces Egg Noodles
- 4 Cups Fat-Free Cottage Cheese Adjust to 2 Cups depending on brand
- 1 ½ Cups Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1-2 Cloves Garlic Minced (Optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil Chopped (Optional, for added freshness)
- Salt – Optional
- Seasoning Blend – Optional
- Black Pepper – Optional
- Mixed Herbs – Optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready by the time you’ve prepped everything else.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions. Typically, this takes about 7-8 minutes until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
Step 4: Mix the Meat and Sauce
- Add your jar of pasta sauce to the cooked meat. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes. If you’re using garlic, add it now for extra flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
- In a large baking dish, start layering. Begin with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of cooked noodles. Next, spread an even layer of cottage cheese, then a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I freeze Lazy Lasagna?
To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover it with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Microwave in intervals if you’re short on time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is a perfect substitute. You can also experiment with other creamy cheeses.
How to make this lasagna more nutritious?
Boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots to the meat sauce. You can also use whole-grain pasta for extra fiber.
Do I need to cover the lasagna with foil while baking?
Covering the lasagna with foil during the initial baking time prevents the top from browning too quickly. Removing the foil later allows the cheese to develop a golden, bubbly crust.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! My Lazy Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is a must-try recipe that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a casual dinner party. The next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, give this a whirl. You won’t be disappointed. Share this recipe with friends and family and watch it become a favorite in their kitchens too. Happy cooking!
