Skip to content 
Print 
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Lasagna
Lasagna is often seen as a rich and indulgent meal, but with a few smart substitutions, it can be both nutritious and satisfying. This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Lasagna swaps some of the traditional ricotta and meat with protein-rich cottage cheese and fresh spinach, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family. Packed with flavor from garlic, oregano, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, this dish is perfect for a hearty weekend meal. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in extra greens without compromising on taste!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 24 oz (680 g) cottage cheese
- 2 cups (500 g) tomato sauce
- 5 oz (150 g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups (140 g) grated Parmesan
- 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella
- 2 large eggs
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna sheets slightly under the recommended time (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, chopped spinach, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ¾ cup of Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
- Spread an even layer of the cottage cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
- Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- For a vegetarian option, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
- Serve with a glass of red wine like Merlot or Chianti for a perfect Italian-inspired dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
