Lasagna—oh, where do I even start? It’s like a warm hug from a dear friend on a chilly day, isn’t it? This creamy cottage cheese version?
Pure bliss. Think of it as the cozy sweater of the culinary world—so comforting, yet a tad unexpected. And honestly, who doesn’t need a little extra warmth these days?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion, breaking up the meat until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic, pasta sauce, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while preparing other ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add a splash of oil. Cook lasagna noodles for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest, then drain them and lay flat on aluminum foil.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper, then set the mixture aside.
- To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay 4 noodles lengthwise over the sauce, then top with half the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheeses.
- Add another 4 noodles, then spread half of the remaining meat sauce on top. Spread the entire cottage cheese mixture over the sauce, followed by 3 more noodles.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce and then the rest of the mozzarella and Swiss cheeses.
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 ounces of your preferred pasta sauce (such as marinara)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat small curd cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded baby Swiss cheese
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss in this lasagna?
- Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with another type of cheese if you prefer. However, the combination of Swiss and mozzarella is recommended as it provides a unique sweet, nutty flavor and meltiness that complements the dish well.
- Does the cottage cheese affect the flavor of the lasagna?
- Cottage cheese does not significantly alter the taste of the lasagna. Instead, it enhances the texture, making the filling creamier and less mushy, which is appreciated even by those who typically dislike cottage cheese.
- Is this Cottage Cheese Lasagna difficult to prepare?
- While lasagna, in general, is not known for being the easiest dish to prepare, this Cottage Cheese Lasagna is quite manageable, especially for a holiday meal. The process of simmering, stacking, and sprinkling is a labor of love that results in a special and comforting dish.
- Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it a convenient option for busy holiday schedules.
- What makes this lasagna recipe special?
- This lasagna recipe is special because of its use of cottage cheese and Swiss cheese, which provide a distinct creamy texture and nutty flavor. Additionally, it is a cherished family recipe that brings people together, making it a heartwarming dish to share with loved ones.
Tips
- To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together, add a generous pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil to the boiling water before cooking them.
- For an extra creamy texture in your lasagna, use full-fat small curd cottage cheese in the filling. The cottage cheese will blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall texture.
- Embrace the unconventional addition of Swiss cheese! Its sweet and nutty flavor, when combined with mozzarella, provides the perfect melty consistency for lasagna.
- Allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat while preparing other ingredients helps meld the flavors together, resulting in a richer and more delicious sauce.
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Inch Baking Dish – If you don’t already have one, a quality baking dish of this size is essential for lasagna.
- Large, Deep Sauce Pan – Needed for cooking the meat sauce. A deep pan will help contain splatters and accommodate all ingredients.
- Medium Bowl – Useful for mixing the filling ingredients.
- Large Pot for Boiling Noodles – A large pot helps to cook the lasagna noodles properly.
