High-Protein Comfort: Cottage Cheese Lasagna
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Calories: 290kcal
Ingredients
The Meat Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (96/4)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 32 oz jar of marinara sauce (I love using Rao’s!)
The Creamy Filling:
- 24 oz low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 oz frozen spinach (defrosted and squeezed dry—don't skip the squeezing!)
The Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready work great if you're in a pinch)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Get the Party Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Sauté and Brown: Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your garlic and onions, letting them get nice and golden brown—usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Beef it Up: Add your ground beef. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until it’s browned through. Drain any excess fat if you need to, though with 96/4 beef, there shouldn't be much.
- Spice it Up: Stir in your oregano, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the entire jar of marinara. Let that simmer and get happy while you prep the rest.
- The Secret Sauce (Filling): In a medium bowl, whisk your eggs, then stir in the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and those extra herbs. Fold in your strained spinach. (Pro tip: use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the spinach—it's amazing how much water hides in there!)
- Layer Like a Pro: Grab a 9x13 baking dish and give it a quick spray. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down 4 noodles, a half-cup of mozzarella, half of your meat sauce, and half of that creamy cottage cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- The Finale: Top it all off with the remaining cup of mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 50 minutes. Take the foil off and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and has those beautiful golden spots.
- Rest and Enjoy: Let it sit for about 10 minutes before cutting—I know it’s hard to wait, but it keeps the layers from sliding everywhere. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dig in!
Notes
Why These Numbers Work
- High Protein: At 24g per slice, this is a powerhouse meal that supports your muscle maintenance and keeps you feeling satisfied for hours.
- Fiber Boost: Using your preferred lentil or brown rice noodles adds that essential 6g of fiber, which is great for digestion and long-term wellness.
- Weight Wellness Friendly: With under 300 calories per serving, you can enjoy a hearty, "indulgent" dinner while staying perfectly in line with your 2026 health goals.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 480mg | Fiber: 6g