Name: Delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna with Beef and Spinach
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready); 1 pound (450g) ground beef; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 5 cups (5 oz) fresh baby spinach; 2 cups cottage cheese (small curd, drained); 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon salt, divided; ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided; 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought); 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Lasagna lovers, get ready to swoon! This Delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna with Beef and Spinach is the ultimate comfort food-layered with juicy seasoned beef, creamy cottage cheese, tender spinach, and melty mozzarella. Each bite is rich, savory, and ultra-satisfying with a cozy, homemade touch.

If you're craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's both nourishing and easy to prep ahead, this is your new go-to. The creamy cottage cheese adds a unique, velvety layer that elevates each forkful, while the beef and spinach bring plenty of flavor and wholesome goodness.

Whether you're gathering around the table for a family weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd at your next potluck, this lasagna never fails to impress. Inspired by my mom's timeless recipe and perfected through years of tinkering, it's comfort food at its absolute best-one you'll want to make again and again!

Layered golden lasagna slice topped with bubbling cheese, resting on a white plate

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with flavor thanks to generous layers of well-seasoned beef, tender spinach, and savory sauce.
Extra creamy and luscious with the addition of cottage cheese, making every bite silky-smooth and satisfying.
Feeds a crowd and is perfect for meal prep; leftovers taste just as good, if not better!
Family-friendly and flexible-picky eaters and veggie lovers alike will request it on repeat.

Key Ingredients for Delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna with Beef and Spinach

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the secret star here-it brings a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the lasagna that's lighter than ricotta but just as satisfying. Look for small-curd cottage cheese for the best texture, and drain it if it's very watery. You can swap for ricotta if you prefer a denser filling, but cottage cheese keeps the dish extra moist and adds a subtle tang.

Ground Beef

The juicy, perfectly browned ground beef delivers rich, meaty flavor and turns this lasagna into a hearty main course. Aim for 85% lean beef for balance between richness and less grease. You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist, or try a vegetarian crumble for a meatless version-the lasagna will still be delicious.

Spinach

Fresh baby spinach adds beautiful color and a gentle earthiness that balances the richness of the cheese and beef. It's quickly wilted before layering to avoid excess moisture. If you're using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out all liquid. You can also add kale or Swiss chard for a different green.

Mozzarella Cheese

A generous layer of shredded mozzarella gives you that irresistible golden, bubbly top and classic cheesy stretch. Go for whole milk mozzarella for extra meltiness. Feel free to mix in a little provolone or fontina for more flavor, or use part-skim if you want to reduce fat.

Marinara Sauce

A good-quality marinara sauce ties everything together, adding tangy tomato flavor to each layer. Choose your favorite jarred sauce, or simmer up a homemade batch for a personal touch. Craving more herbs? Stir in some extra basil or oregano. Want a garlickier sauce? Add an extra minced clove or two as it heats.

Delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna with Beef and Spinach cooking process

Instructions for Delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna with Beef and Spinach

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If using regular noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles just to al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Drain and lay noodles flat on a towel to prevent sticking. If you're using oven-ready noodles, skip this step and continue.

Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes more. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Season with half of the salt and pepper. Remove from heat and drain excess fat if necessary.

Wilt the Spinach

Add fresh spinach directly into the skillet with the beef (or separately in a clean, large pan if preferred). Toss until wilted, just 1-2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding to the skillet. Stir into the beef mixture and set aside.

Prepare the Cottage Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, oregano, basil, and the remaining salt and pepper. Mix until well blended-this mixture will add a delightfully creamy and herby layer to your lasagna.

Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about ½ cup marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay down 3-4 noodles, slightly overlapping. Spoon half of the beef-spinach mixture over the noodles, then spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top. Add ¾ cup mozzarella. Repeat layers once more-noodles, remaining beef-spinach, remaining cottage cheese, and more mozzarella. Top with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, the rest of the mozzarella, and all the Parmesan.

Bake and Rest

Cover the pan loosely with foil (spray with cooking spray so cheese doesn't stick) and bake in the center of the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing-this helps the layers set for perfect squares.

Recipe Variations

Go All Veggie

Skip the beef and double the spinach (or add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell pepper) for a delicious vegetarian version. The cottage cheese and extra greens keep every bite hearty and satisfying.

Make It Gluten-Free

Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles to fit your dietary needs. Most major brands offer great options that don't compromise on taste or texture-just follow the package's boil or no-boil guidance.

Add a Spicy Kick

If you crave a little heat, mix crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne into the marinara sauce, or swap some of the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage.

Swap the Cheese

Prefer the classic? Use part-skim ricotta in place of cottage cheese, or try half cottage cheese and half ricotta for the best of both worlds. You can also use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter topping or sprinkle in some provolone or fontina for extra richness.

Dairy-Free Option

Use your favorite dairy-free cheese blends and a plant-based cottage cheese alternative to create a creamy, comforting lasagna that's completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna with Beef and Spinach with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For an elegant finish, garnish each slice with a touch of fresh parsley or basil.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until bubbling hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes). To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Cottage Cheese Lasagna with Beef and Spinach (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial bake time if straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

A: Yes-this lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly or freeze the whole pan. Thaw overnight for best texture, then reheat in the oven or microwave until steaming hot.

Q: Is it possible to swap cottage cheese for ricotta?

A: Definitely! Ricotta makes a slightly richer and denser filling, but the recipe works great with either-feel free to use your family's favorite.

Q: How can I prevent watery lasagna?

A: Drain any excess fat from the beef and be sure to squeeze all moisture from the spinach (especially if frozen). Letting the lasagna rest before slicing also helps the layers set beautifully.

Thank you for stopping by and giving this hearty, comforting lasagna a try! It's a family classic for a reason-full of flavor, wonderfully creamy, and just perfect for sharing. If you make it, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or rating below, and happy cooking!