Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Recipe: Quick and Delicious One-Pan Meal

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Skillet lasagna with cottage cheese is a simple yet delicious meal that you can have ready in no time. It combines the cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna with the ease of a one-pan recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy this comforting dish. With ingredients like ground beef, pasta sauce, lasagna noodles, and cottage cheese, this recipe brings together classic flavors in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s a great way to make lasagna without having to layer ingredients.

The best part is that you can make this entire dish in a single skillet, which means easier cleanup. Imagine digging into layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese all cooked together in one pan. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To make a skillet lasagna with cottage cheese you’ll need the following ingredients. If you don’t have something, check out the substitutes below!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pasta sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup water

Possible Substitutes:

• Olive oil: You can use vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Ground beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
• Onion: If fresh onion isn’t available, 1 tablespoon of onion powder can work.
• Garlic: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
• Pasta sauce: Tomato sauce or marinara sauce can be used.
• Diced tomatoes: Fresh chopped tomatoes or tomato paste (use about 4 tablespoons).
• Italian seasoning: Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Lasagna noodles: Any other pasta like penne or rigatoni can be used.
• Cottage cheese: Ricotta cheese or a mix of cream cheese and parmesan.
• Mozzarella cheese: Cheddar, provolone, or a mixed Italian cheese blend.
• Water: Broth or stock can add extra flavor instead of water.

These substitutes should help you adapt the recipe to what you have on hand in your kitchen. Enjoy making your skillet lasagna!

Instructions

First, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

Drain off any excess grease.

Add the pasta sauce, water, and dry Italian dressing mix. Stir well.

Put in the noodles and mix them in.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Stir every few minutes to keep the noodles from sticking.

Once the noodles are cooked, turn the heat to low.

Add the cottage cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the skillet.

Stir gently to combine.

Let the lasagna heat through for another 5 minutes.

Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your skillet lasagna!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use fresh cottage cheese for the best texture. Whole milk cottage cheese adds a creamier taste.

If you like more flavor, add some Italian seasoning to the sauce and cheese mix.

Don’t overcook the ground beef. Break it into small pieces while cooking.

For a richer dish, mix a bit of ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese.

To avoid soggy lasagna, drain the meat sauce well.

Storing

Let the lasagna cool completely before storing. Divide it into portions for easy reheating.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

To change up your skillet lasagna with cottage cheese, you can try several variations.

Replace the ground beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a different taste.

Cheese swaps: Blend cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. You can also mix in shredded mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or cheddar.

Extra veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Spice it up: Include crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce if you like a kick in your lasagna.

Here’s a simple table to get started:

Ingredient	Substitution
Ground Beef	Ground turkey, chicken
Cottage Cheese	Ricotta
Mozzarella	Cheddar, Colby-Jack
Red Sauce	Alfredo sauce, Pesto

When serving, consider adding:

• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• A simple green salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich lasagna.
• Fresh herbs – Garnish with parsley or basil for extra flavor.

By playing around with these variations and serving ideas, you can enjoy your skillet lasagna with cottage cheese in many delicious ways.