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Cottage Cheese Lasagna (Gluten Free, High Protein)

cottage cheese lasagna

If you’re Craving lasagna but are looking for a healthier option you have to Try my gluten-free, high-protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna! It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and way lighter than the classic version. Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a nutritious twist, this lasagna will satisfy your cravings.

Traditional lasagna uses ricotta cheese, which is delicious, but much higher in fat & calories than cottage cheese. Using cottage cheese gives our lasagna filling the same exact creamy texture, and honestly tastes even better in my opinion! This dish is perfect for family weeknight dinners or meal prep. It reheats GREAT and is a total crowd pleaser.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe:

  • Nutritious Ingredients: Unlike traditional lasagna, this recipe focuses on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. I use organic proteins, complex carbs (organic brown rice lasagna noodles), and spinach to create a dish that’s as wholesome as it is tasty.
  • Customizable: Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat lover, or have specific dietary needs, this casserole is easily adaptable. Swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. Use dairy free cheese if needed as well.
  • Easy to Make: With a straightforward recipe and simple preparation, this casserole is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: It has all the flavors of your classic lasagna without compromising on taste or health.

Ingredients

Meat:

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil (organic, extra virgin)
  • 3 tsp. garlic (organic, minced)
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 lb. organic grass fed ground beef  – Get FREE high quality organic protein in every order here from Butcher Box.
  • 1 tsp. oregano 
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt 
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 4 cups (32 oz.) marinara sauce (organic - The Good & Gather brand at Target makes my favorite, clean organic marinara sauce!)

Filling:

  • 16 oz. 1% small curd cottage cheese
  • 2 eggs (large, organic)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

  • 1/2 tsp. oregano 
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 5 oz. fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tsp. olive oil (organic, extra virgin)

Lasagna:

  • 8 gluten free lasagna noodles (about 7 oz.; I use the brand Jovial. HIGHLY recommend))
  • 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
cottage cheese lasagna
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How To Make It

  1. In a small saucepan, add 1 tsp. of olive oil over medium high heat. Add the spinach and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
  2. Once the spinach is cool enough to touch, ring out all of the excess water with an old kitchen towel.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with the remaining filling ingredients (eggs, cottage cheese, parmesan, and spices) and set aside in the fridge.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13" deep casserole dish with olive oil.
  5. In a large deep saucepan or wok, heat up the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant.
  6. Add the ground beef and continue to mash and cook until almost fully cooked through. Add the seasonings and the marinara sauce. Mix until fully incorporated & meat is cooked through.
  7. Add a spoonful of the meat future to the bottom of your baking dish. Next, layer on 4 lasagna noodles on top. Sprinkle half a cup of the mozzarella cheese on top of the noodles, followed by half the meat mixture and half the cottage cheese filling. Repeat the layers and then top with the remaining one cup of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
cottage cheese lasagna
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Substitutions and Additions:

Spinach – You can easily swap out or add any veggies you'd like! Sometimes I will add some zucchini to my meat mixture.

Meat – I prefer to use organic, grass-fed ground beef in this recipe, but ground turkey or chicken also work!

Cheese – You can use any of your favorite Italian cheeses, or if you are dairy free, you can substitute your dairy free-preferences.

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Why Get Grass-Fed Beef?

I can't stress it enough on how important it is to get organic, grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef offers a range of benefits that extend from nutritional improvements to environmental and ethical advantages. While it might come at a higher price point compared to conventional beef, many find the enhanced flavor, healthier fat profile, and positive impact on the environment well worth the investment. Whether you’re a health-conscious eater or simply looking for a more sustainable food choice, grass-fed beef is the way to go. Get high quality grass-fed, organic meat from ButcherBox here. My link throws in free meat with every purchase!

Enhanced Nutritional Profile

  • Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed beef typically has a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally raised beef. Omega-3s are essential for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Better Fatty Acid Ratio: Grass-fed beef generally has a more favorable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. This balance is crucial because a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is associated with various health issues.
  • Increased Antioxidants: Grass-fed beef is richer in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. These antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.
  • Higher Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a type of fat found in higher amounts in grass-fed beef. It has been linked to various health benefits, including improved body composition and enhanced immune function.
  • Lower Total Fat Content: Grass-fed beef usually contains less total fat compared to grain-fed beef, which can be beneficial for those looking to manage their fat intake.

Better Flavor and Texture

  • Rich, Distinctive Flavor: Many people find that grass-fed beef has a more robust and distinctive flavor compared to conventionally raised beef. This is often attributed to the animal's diet and natural grazing.
  • Lean Texture: The leaner nature of grass-fed beef can provide a firmer texture, which some people prefer.

Environmental Benefits

  • Sustainable Farming Practices: Grass-fed beef is often produced using more sustainable farming practices. Grazing cattle can help maintain healthy grasslands and contribute to soil health.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Well-managed grass-fed beef systems can have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional beef production, as they often require fewer inputs and can sequester carbon in the soil.

Ethical Considerations

  • Natural Diet: Grass-fed beef comes from cattle that are raised on a diet more natural to their evolutionary development. This can contribute to improved animal welfare compared to grain-fed systems.
  • Reduced Use of Antibiotics and Hormones: Grass-fed beef producers often use fewer antibiotics and hormones, which can be beneficial for both the environment and consumer health.

Health Benefits

  • Better for Heart Health: The higher omega-3 content and better fat profile in grass-fed beef can support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Support for Weight Management: The leaner nature of grass-fed beef can be part of a diet aimed at maintaining a healthy weight or reducing body fat.

Do I Need To Blend the Cottage Cheese?

Actually, no! You can if you want, but it melts in the oven and you would never know those small curds of cheese were ever even there!

Check Me Out On Social Media!

I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up-to-date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!

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Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 50 mins Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Temp 375  °F
Servings 8
Calories 469
Dietary Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free
Description

If you’re Craving lasagna but are looking for a healthier option you have to Try my gluten-free, high-protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna! It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and way lighter than the classic version. Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a nutritious twist, this lasagna will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients
    Meat:
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil (organic, extra virgin)
  • 3 tsp. garlic (organic, minced)
  • 1 yellow onion (small, diced)
  • 1 lb. ground beef (organic grass fed; Get FREE high quality organic protein in every order from Butcher Box with my link above.)
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 4 cups marinara (organic (32 oz.))
    • Filling:
  • 16 oz. cottage cheese (1% small curd)
  • 2 eggs (large, organic)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 5 oz. spinach (fresh, organic baby spinach)
  • 1 tsp. olive oil (organic, extra virgin)
    • Lasagna:
  • 8 lasagna noodles (gluten free, about 7 oz., I use the brand Jovial. HIGHLY recommend)
  • 2 cups mozzarella (freshly grated)
Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, add 1 tsp. of olive oil over medium high heat. Add the spinach and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
  2. Once the spinach is cool enough to touch, ring out all of the excess water with an old kitchen towel.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with the remaining filling ingredients (eggs, cottage cheese, parmesan, and spices) and set aside in the fridge.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13" deep casserole dish with olive oil.
  5. In a large deep saucepan or wok, heat up the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant.
  6. Add the ground beef and continue to mash and cook until almost fully cooked through. Add the seasonings and the marinara sauce. Mix until fully incorporated & meat is cooked through.
  7. Add a spoonful of the meat future to the bottom of your baking dish. Next, layer on 4 lasagna noodles on top. Sprinkle half a cup of the mozzarella cheese on top of the noodles, followed by half the meat mixture and half the cottage cheese filling. Repeat the layers and then top with the remaining one cup of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 469kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22.7g35%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 125.3mg42%
Sodium 1107mg47%
Total Carbohydrate 33.6g12%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 7.4g
Protein 31.1g63%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Did you make this recipe?

The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)

Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding.

Keywords: beef, lasagna, gluten free, high protein
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