Million Dollar Lasagna with Cottage Cheese: Creamy Layers and Bold Flavors
By Ethan Parker
Million Dollar Lasagna with cottage cheese transforms a classic dish into a hearty, flavorful centerpiece. This lasagna features no-boil noodles that absorb the rich, sweet marinara and savory meat sauce, with a creamy layer of cottage cheese for a lighter take. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this family-approved recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- •1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz or 3 cups homemade)
- •12 pieces no-boil lasagna noodles (regular noodles work too; just parboil them first)
- •2 cups cottage cheese (small-curd works best)
- •1 large egg (helps bind the cheese layer)
- •2 cups shredded mozzarella (plus extra for the top)
- •0.5 cup grated Parmesan (the real stuff, not the green can)
- •1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
- •1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- •salt (to taste)
- •pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- 1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce.
- 2
Let it simmer for 5 minutes while you prep the cheese mixture.
- 3
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until creamy and well-blended.
- 4
Spread ½ cup meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 5
Top with 4 noodles (they’ll overlap slightly).
- 6
Spread half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then add ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce.
- 7
Repeat noodles, cheese, and sauce.
- 8
Add the last 4 noodles, remaining meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
- 9
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- 10
Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 11
Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.
