DinnerItalian

Million Dollar Lasagna with Cottage Cheese: Creamy Layers and Bold Flavors

Name: Million Dollar Lasagna with Cottage Cheese: Creamy Layers and Bold Flavors
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor); 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz or 3 cups homemade); 12 pieces no-boil lasagna noodles (regular noodles work too; just parboil them first); 2 cups cottage cheese (small-curd works best); 1 large egg (helps bind the cheese layer); 2 cups shredded mozzarella (plus extra for the top); 0.5 cup grated Parmesan (the real stuff, not the green can); 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic); 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh); salt (to taste); pepper (to taste)

By Ethan ParkerAug 19, 2026

Million Dollar Lasagna with cottage cheese transforms a classic dish into a hearty, flavorful centerpiece. This lasagna features no-boil noodles that absorb the rich, sweet marinara and savory meat sauce, with a creamy layer of cottage cheese for a lighter take. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this family-approved recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

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65 min total4 servings

Ingredients

Cook Mode (keeps screen on)

Servings

•1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
•1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz or 3 cups homemade)
•12 pieces no-boil lasagna noodles (regular noodles work too; just parboil them first)
•2 cups cottage cheese (small-curd works best)
•1 large egg (helps bind the cheese layer)
•2 cups shredded mozzarella (plus extra for the top)
•0.5 cup grated Parmesan (the real stuff, not the green can)
•1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
•1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
•salt (to taste)
•pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce.
2
Let it simmer for 5 minutes while you prep the cheese mixture.
3
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until creamy and well-blended.
4
Spread ½ cup meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5
Top with 4 noodles (they’ll overlap slightly).
6
Spread half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then add ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce.
7
Repeat noodles, cheese, and sauce.
8
Add the last 4 noodles, remaining meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
9
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
10
Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11
Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.