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Easy cottage cheese lasagna with turkey sauce and melted mozzarella

Easy Cottage Cheese Lasagna

This easy cottage cheese lasagna is a cozy high-protein dinner made with lean ground turkey, rich tomato sauce, creamy cottage cheese filling, tender pasta, and melted mozzarella.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 23 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Cottage Cheese Layer:
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Pasta and Top Layer:
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil or parsley for serving
  • For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Cottage Cheese Layer:
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Pasta and Top Layer:
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil or parsley for serving

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 measuring cups
  • 1 Measuring spoons
  • 1 What furniture works best on a tiny balcony?

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until just al dente.
  3. Drain the noodles and arrange them separately so they do not stick together.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  6. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened.
  7. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, then cook for 1 minute.
  8. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  9. Simmer the meat sauce uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper.
  11. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  12. Arrange three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  13. Spread one-third of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
  14. Top with meat sauce and a layer of shredded mozzarella.
  15. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
  16. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  17. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  18. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Cottage Cheese Tip:
Use small-curd cottage cheese for a smoother filling. If the cottage cheese looks very watery, drain off excess liquid before mixing.
Noodle Tip:
Cook the noodles only until al dente because they will continue softening in the oven.
Sauce Tip:
Use a thick marinara sauce so the lasagna layers stay firm instead of watery.
Resting Tip:
Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes cleaner slices.
Storage:
Store cooled lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or cover and warm in the oven until heated through.
Freezing:
Freeze fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Protein Note:
Exact protein will vary depending on the ground turkey, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, pasta, and serving size used.