Spinach and Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese -

Spinach and Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese

Lasagna is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This spinach and ground beef lasagna recipe with cottage cheese is a game-changer. It combines the classic richness of lasagna with a fresh twist from spinach and the creaminess of cottage cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm plate of comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

But what makes this lasagna stand out? It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The spinach adds a pop of nutrition and freshness, the ground beef brings in that savory, meaty goodness, and the cottage cheese lightens things up while delivering creamy decadence. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can tweak it to your taste. Ready to make the best lasagna of your life? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy yet indulgent: Thanks to the spinach and cottage cheese, this lasagna sneaks in a bit of nutrition without sacrificing any of the comfort-food vibes.
Great for meal prep: Lasagna reheats like a dream. Make a big batch, and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted for days.
Customizable: Don’t eat beef? Swap it for ground turkey or chicken. Not into spinach? Add some mushrooms or zucchini instead!
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a complete breakdown of everything you’ll need. Don’t worry—most of these are pantry or fridge staples, so you might already have them on hand!

Meat Sauce Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
1 medium onion, diced: Enhances the sauce with a touch of sweetness and texture.
2-3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic makes everything better—trust me on this one!
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: Go for a high-quality brand or homemade marinara for the best flavor.
1 tsp dried basil: For that classic Italian aroma.
1 tsp dried oregano: Adds earthy, herbal notes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Brings all the flavors together.

Spinach and Cottage Cheese Mixture:

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch, but frozen spinach (thawed and drained) works just as well.
2 cups cottage cheese: Creamy and light, cottage cheese is a wonderful alternative to ricotta.
1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth of flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder: For a little extra oomph.
Pinch of salt: Balances out the creaminess of the cheese.

For the Layers:

9-12 lasagna noodles: Oven-ready or pre-cooked lasagna noodles work fine. Regular noodles will need boiling.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, stretchy layer everyone loves.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkle on top for an extra-cheesy finish.

How to Make Spinach and Ground Beef Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated—it’s easier than it looks, and the results are so worth it!

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion is soft.
Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tip: If you like a chunky sauce, feel free to add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra texture.

Step 2: Make the Spinach Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
Chop the spinach finely (if using fresh) or squeeze out any excess water (if using frozen). Stir the spinach into the cottage cheese mixture.

Pro Tip: For even more flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg—it’s a secret weapon that complements spinach beautifully!

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if needed)

If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna

Here’s where the magic happens!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the spinach and cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
Spoon a layer of meat sauce on top, then sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layering process (noodles, spinach mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times. End with a generous layer of mozzarella on top. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle some Parmesan on top as well!

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (make sure it doesn’t touch the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for neat, mess-free servings.

What to Serve with Lasagna

While this lasagna is a full meal on its own, here are some side dishes that pair perfectly:

A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Warm garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots

Tips for the Best Lasagna Ever

Don’t skimp on seasoning: Each layer should be flavorful on its own. Taste as you go!
Use a deep baking dish: Lasagna gets tall quickly, and you don’t want it spilling over in the oven.
Make it ahead: This lasagna tastes even better the next day. Assemble it in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Of course! Ricotta is the more traditional choice, but cottage cheese offers a lighter texture and fewer calories. Either works beautifully in this recipe.

2. Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

Yes! Slice the lasagna into individual portions, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

3. How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply swap out the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles. Most grocery stores carry them in the pasta aisle.

Wrapping It Up

This spinach and ground beef lasagna with cottage cheese is everything you want in a dinner—comforting, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you just need to impress your guests. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

Now, grab a fork and dig in—you’ve earned it! 😊