Go Back
homemade Easy Homemade Lasagna With Cottage Cheese: Better Than Store-Bought photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

Easy Homemade Lasagna With Cottage Cheese: Better Than Store-Bought

A classic layered lasagna made with a flavorful meat-tomato sauce and a cottage cheese layer for creamy, comforting results.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef (chuck)
  • 1 pound canned tomatoes
  • 16 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 pound cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 10 ounces lasagna noodles

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook gently until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no pink remains.
  • Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While the sauce simmers, beat the egg in a bowl and mix in the cottage cheese until combined.
  • Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom, arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, spoon half of the cottage-cheese mixture over the noodles, and top with half of the sliced mozzarella.
  • Repeat the layers: remaining meat sauce, remaining 3 noodles, remaining cottage-cheese mixture, and remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 2 quart casserole dish
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Pot for boiling noodles

Notes

  • Make the meat sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor.
  • This recipe is designed for a 2-quart casserole dish.
  • The layering yields two layers of noodles for balanced proportions.