Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a comfort food classic with a creamy twist. Combining hearty ground beef, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious trio of cheeses, this lasagna offers a delightful surprise: rich, full-fat cottage cheese that brings creaminess and depth without being overpowering. With layers of gooey mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and slightly tangy Swiss, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts with its rich flavors and satisfying layers.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe
This lasagna is everything you want in a homemade comfort dish: cheesy, meaty, saucy, and endlessly satisfying. The blend of Italian sausage and ground beef adds a savory depth, while the cottage cheese filling keeps it rich yet slightly lighter than ricotta-based versions. Swiss cheese may seem unconventional, but it brings a unique sharpness that elevates the entire dish. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and perfect for freezing, making weeknight dinners or special occasions a breeze.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Cheese Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat small curd cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded baby Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step: How to Make Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a splash of oil and cook lasagna noodles for about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and arrange them flat on aluminum foil to prevent them from sticking together.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Lay 4 noodles lengthwise over the sauce.
- Spread half of the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheese over noodles.
- Layer 4 more noodles, then spoon over half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Evenly distribute the cottage cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Top with 3 more noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown.
Helpful Tips
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Slightly undercooking the noodles prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.
- Allow the lasagna to sit for at least 10 minutes after baking to help it set for easier slicing.
- Use a sharp knife or a spatula with a flat edge for clean slices.
Substitutions And Variations
- Ricotta Cheese: If you prefer a more traditional flavor, substitute ricotta for the cottage cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian twist.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles and verify your pasta sauce is certified gluten-free.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with provolone or fontina as an alternative to Swiss for a new layer of flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil before freezing; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven (covered) at 350°F until thoroughly heated.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 828kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 48g
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Cholesterol: 173mg
- Sodium: 1695mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Calcium: 614mg
- Iron: 4mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad or a side of garlic bread. A glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy layers. For a lighter touch, roasted or steamed green beans make an excellent companion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Definitely! You can assemble it a day early and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for optimal cooking results.
Is cottage cheese a good substitute for ricotta in lasagna? Yes, indeed. It provides a creamier consistency and a slight tang, especially when using the full-fat, small curd type.
Why add Swiss cheese to lasagna? The Swiss cheese contributes a gentle nuttiness and a sharper edge that complements the creamy layers, making the dish even more flavorful.
Can I freeze the lasagna after baking? Absolutely. Once it’s fully cooled, wrap portions securely and freeze. You can reheat from frozen or after thawing overnight.
How do I prevent watery lasagna? Be sure to drain noodles thoroughly and allow the lasagna to rest post-bake. Avoid using watery sauces and stick with full-fat dairy for best texture.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making this delicious Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna. I absolutely love how the creamy cottage cheese and bold flavors of sausage and beef come together in each savory layer. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do! Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this delicious journey.
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Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Italian Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a hearty, flavor-packed classic layered with rich meat sauce, three cheeses, and creamy cottage cheese. Make it for family dinners or special gatherings and enjoy a comforting meal everyone will love. Try it today!
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
24 oz jar marinara or pasta sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Cheese Filling:
1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Assembly:
12 lasagna noodles
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded baby Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a splash of oil and cook lasagna noodles for about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and arrange them flat on aluminum foil to prevent them from sticking together.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Lay 4 noodles lengthwise over the sauce.
- Spread half of the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheese over noodles.
- Layer 4 more noodles, then spoon over half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Evenly distribute the cottage cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Top with 3 more noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for best texture and flavor.
Make-ahead friendly: refrigerate overnight before baking.
Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a twist.
Let lasagna sit before slicing for neater servings.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 828 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 48g