Name: Easy Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian turkey sausage; 11 cups cottage cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; About 12 lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready); 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce; 1 egg (optional, for mixing with cottage cheese); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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This lasagna recipe is one of my go-to comfort dishes—it’s hearty, flavorful, and always a hit at the dinner table. Using cottage cheese gives it a creamy, slightly tangy richness that blends beautifully with the meat and mozzarella. It’s a dish I love making ahead and reheating for quick and satisfying meals throughout the week.

Easy Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and satisfying this lasagna is to make. The combination of ground beef and Italian turkey sausage brings depth and flavor, while the cottage cheese creates a creamy, luscious layer that makes every bite indulgent. It’s also a great recipe to prep in advance or freeze for later. Whether I’m serving family or hosting guests, this lasagna never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian turkey sausage
11 cups cottage cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella
Lasagna noodles (about 12, cooked or oven-ready)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 egg (optional, for mixing with cottage cheese)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef and turkey sausage over medium heat until browned, then drain the excess grease.
I stir in the marinara sauce with the meat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a bowl, I mix the cottage cheese with the egg (if using), salt, and pepper.
I spread a bit of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then I layer lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of cottage cheese mixture, a layer of meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
I repeat the layers until I run out of ingredients, ending with mozzarella on top.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
I let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This lasagna makes 8 hearty servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the meat for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian version. I also like using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese when I want a more traditional Italian flavor. For a spicier kick, I add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot Italian sausage.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover a portion with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, I microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. This dish also freezes beautifully—just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of mixing it with sausage?

Absolutely, I often use just ground beef when I don’t have sausage on hand. The flavor is still rich and delicious.

Is it okay to use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes, I love using oven-ready noodles for convenience. I just make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil so they cook through properly.

Can I freeze lasagna after baking it?

Definitely. I let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly before freezing. When I’m ready to eat, I bake it from frozen at 375°F for about 60–75 minutes.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

Ricotta cheese is the classic alternative, but I’ve also tried a mix of ricotta and cream cheese for extra richness.

How do I keep the lasagna from being watery?

I make sure to drain the cooked meat well and let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes after baking to help it set and reduce excess moisture.

Conclusion

This easy cottage cheese lasagna is one of my all-time favorite comfort meals. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a keeper.