Lasagna Recipe Without Ricotta Cheese
This lasagna recipe without ricotta cheese is a delicious alternative to the classic dish. With a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly baked pasta, it's a comforting meal for any occasion. Skip the ricotta, and enjoy a smooth, cheesy lasagna that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cottage cheese (or cream cheese)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat, then add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make the Creamy Layer: Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor for a smoother texture. In a bowl, mix the blended cottage cheese with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to become golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can use cream cheese or béchamel sauce instead of cottage cheese for different textures and flavors.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.