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Easy High Protein Lasagna with Cottage Cheese - 25g Protein Per Serving

Easy Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

High-protein lasagna using cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a budget-friendly, creamy twist with 25g protein per serving
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 lasagna noodles regular or no-boil
  • 1 pound ground beef 85% lean recommended
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
  • 2 cups cottage cheese small curd, packed firmly
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, but undercook by about 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. To assemble: Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on bottom of baking dish. Layer 4 noodles (slightly overlapping), half the cottage cheese mixture, half the browned beef, ⅓ of remaining sauce, and ⅓ of mozzarella cheese.
  6. Repeat layers once more, then finish with remaining noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly, and edges are slightly crispy.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Resting time is crucial - wait 10 minutes before cutting to prevent lasagna soup. Use small curd cottage cheese for best texture. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lighter option. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.