Lasagna with Cottage Cheese has been an affordable and delicious favorite of Midwestern families for generations. Layers of rich meat sauce, pasta, creamy filling and cheese make this the best meal!
The key to creating the absolute best lasagna is to use a combination of ricotta and cottage cheese. Ricotta brings the rich creaminess while cottage cheese lightens things up and seasons the whole dish. For even more cheese, we recommend also using shredded Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano).
This Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese has been in my family for generations!
Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for lasagna with cottage cheese. My mom got the recipe from her mom, and she often made this for Christmas day when I was a kid (and sometimes my birthday, too!).
First things first, let’s get this out of the way: Is this lasagna recipe with cottage cheese authentically Italian? No. Is it delicious? Absolutely.
YES, as the name makes crystal clear, this is lasagna without ricotta, and it uses cottage cheese instead. Yes, I know that ricotta is more traditional in authentic Italian food.
But hey, this recipe is from the Midwest (ope!), where cottage cheese is readily available, affordable, and delicious, and I am here. for. it.
Why you will love this Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
- One of the very best freezer meals ever. Bake, cool, then cut into pieces and freeze for several future meals.
- Won’t empty your wallet. Putting together a big pan of lasagna can be a pricy proposition, but using cottage cheese and deli mozzarella slices instead of expensive ricotta and fresh mozzarella helps keep costs down.
- Customize to your liking by using a combo of beef and sausage, all one or the other, or another meat like ground turkey.
Is lasagna better with ricotta or cottage cheese?
FAQ
Why do people use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Does cottage cheese taste the same as ricotta in lasagna?
Why do some people use cottage cheese in lasagna?
What do Italians use instead of ricotta in lasagna?
Which is better ricotta or cottage cheese for lasagna?
The choice between ricotta and cottage cheese for a lasagna depends on personal preference. Ricotta cheese provides a creamier and richer taste while cottage cheese has a slightly tangier flavor and a lumpy texture. Ricotta cheese is traditionally used in Italian cuisine while cottage cheese is used in American cuisine.
What is the healthy substitute of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese itself is a healthy option to include in daily diet as it is made of milk and rich in protein and calcium. If one has to substitute cottage cheese for various reasons then tofu is one such option which can be used and has good protein content too. Or mozzarella cheese or other types of low fat cheese options can be used to certain extent as a substitute.
Is ricotta good for lasagna?
Plain ricotta can be, well, very plain and mild. At the very least season it with kosher salt! For a slightly lighter, less-indulgent lasagna, turn to whole milk cottage cheese. It’s less creamy but has great cheesy flavor. The cheese curds create light pockets of cheesiness without weighing down the lasagna.
What is lasagna with ricotta cheese?
Lasagna with ricotta cheese is a great choice for making a variety of dishes because it is a versatile and flavorful ingredient. Lasagna is a type of pasta dish that is made with alternating layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. It is a classic comfort food that is perfect for dinner on a cold day.