Lasagna is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. But have you ever thought about adding a delicious twist to this hearty dish? In this article, we’ll explore a unique lasagna recipe that combines the richness of beef and sausage with the creaminess of cottage cheese. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Key Takeaways
- Why You’ll Fall in Love with this Meat Lasagna Variation
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Prepare Mouthwatering Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
- ✅ Substitutions and Variations
- What to Serve with this Meaty Lasagna
- Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Lasagna
- Some Other Recipes We’re Sure You’ll Love:
- Connect with Savor the Best:
Why You’ll Fall in Love with this Meat Lasagna Variation
Homemade lasagna has always been a family favorite for us. It’s a budget-friendly dish that’s easy to make, and the best part is that it can be enjoyed as leftovers or prepped for quick lunches. This beef and sausage lasagna, in particular, is a showstopper that will have your loved ones begging for seconds.
What sets this recipe apart:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With a prep time of under 30 minutes, this lasagna won’t keep you tied to the kitchen for hours.
- Protein-Rich: Packed with both beef and sausage, this lasagna is a great source of protein.
- Versatility: Feel free to add your own creative touch to this recipe. Experiment with different spices or even substitute the meats with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- Leftovers Galore: This lasagna yields generous portions, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for a delicious lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients needed to make this lasagna with cottage cheese. For a detailed list, please refer to the printable recipe card below.
- Lasagna noodles
- Onions, celery ribs, and garlic for added flavor
- Ground beef and sausage
- Spice things up with onion powder, dried oregano, sage, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes
- Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste for a robust sauce
- A mix of cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella for the perfect creamy texture
- Fresh basil and parsley leaves to enhance the taste
- Large eggs for binding
How to Prepare Mouthwatering Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
While this lasagna recipe may seem a bit involved, trust us when we say that the incredible flavors are definitely worth the effort. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to get you started. For precise measurements and more detailed instructions, be sure to check out the complete recipe card below.
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Cook the noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in well-salted water for 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, lay them flat on a tray to cool.
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Prepare the meat sauce: In a large saucepan, sauté onions, celery, and garlic. Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Season with oregano, onion powder, sage, salt, and red pepper. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Simmer for 15 minutes.
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Create the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, ricotta, basil, parsley, and eggs.
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Layer the lasagna: Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Top with cooked lasagna noodles, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture, more meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
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Bake and serve: Bake the lasagna at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into mouthwatering portions.
Tip: If the edges of the lasagna brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
✅ Substitutions and Variations
Looking to personalize your lasagna? We’ve got you covered! Here are a couple of ideas to inspire your creativity:
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Ricotta Variation: For a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor, add a small amount of ricotta cheese to the cottage cheese mixture. Alternatively, if you prefer to omit ricotta, you can replace it with more cottage cheese.
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Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the traditional beef and sausage for a plant-based meat substitute like Beyond Meat. You can also load up on veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to create a satisfying vegetarian lasagna.
What to Serve with this Meaty Lasagna
To complement the rich flavors of this lasagna, we recommend serving it with some mouthwatering sides. Pair it with a quick and delicious Texas toast garlic bread or try our garlic and herb focaccia bread for an added twist. For a complete meal, indulge in a tossed side salad topped with homemade Caesar dressing and homemade croutons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Lasagna
Q: Looking for more ground beef recipes?
A: We’ve got you covered! Check out our selection of ground beef recipes that range from classic dishes like taco salads to comforting soups and meatloaves. You’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
As you can see, this meat lasagna with cottage cheese is a winner in every way. Not only is it hearty and flavorful, but the addition of cottage cheese makes it a budget-friendly option without compromising on taste. Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
Some Other Recipes We’re Sure You’ll Love:
- Fresh Vegetable Lasagna
- Chicken Broccoli Lasagna
- Beef and Sausage Meatballs
- Crockpot Lasagna
Connect with Savor the Best:
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Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Drop us a comment below and share your thoughts.
Note: This post was originally published on October 1, 2014. We have updated the photos, but one of the original photos remains.
— Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ
