Deconstructed Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowls a Comfort Food Remix
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave comfort food but don't want the fuss? This Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl is calling your name. It's like a warm hug, but in a bowl!
Brief Overview
This deconstructed lasagna recipe takes the best parts of Italian comfort and makes it speedy. Originating from the desire for quicker lasagna, this takes only 35 minutes. It yields 4 servings.
Main Benefits
The Cottage Cheese Bowls are packed with protein. This High Protein Lasagna Bowl is great after a workout. It's a super satisfying and guilt free treat!
Honestly, who has time for layering lasagna these days? It's a mission, isn't it? I wanted all the Nonna's hug in a bowl vibes without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, I thought, why not a Lasagna Bowl ?
Quick & Easy - That's the Name of the Game
This Easy Lasagna Bowl is perfect for a busy weeknight. Prep takes 15 minutes, and cook time is only 20.
A total of 35 minutes and dinner is sorted. Seriously, it's quicker than ordering takeout.
Plus, it's super flexible. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste. This Quick Weeknight Lasagna Bowl is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Goodbye Ricotta, Hello Cottage Cheese!
I've swapped out the traditional ricotta for cottage cheese. Some might find that a bit weird but trust me, it works! Cottage cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist.
It's also packed with protein. It's like a healthier cheat code for comfort food.
These Cottage Cheese Bowls Lunch are great for meal prepping. It keeps well in the fridge. Grab a container and you are sorted for the week! That is something you're really gonna enjoy and will make your routine so much easier.
So what are you waiting for?
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl
Let's get down to brass tacks. This Deconstructed Lasagna Recipe is easy peasy, but having your ingredients ready makes it even easier.
Trust me, a little prep goes a long way. Especially when we're craving Nonna's hug in a bowl, but need it now .
Main Ingredients
Okay, listen up! Here's what you need for four glorious servings of Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl .
- Meat Sauce Time :
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) .
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g) . Look for ground beef that isn't too fatty.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup/150g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) . San Marzano are the dream.
- Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) .
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp .
- Dried basil: 1/2 tsp .
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional).
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Bowl Assembly :
- Lasagna noodles: 8 ounces (225g) dry, cooked. That's about 4 cups when cooked and torn.
- Cottage cheese : 15 ounces (425g) whole milk. Get the good stuff. It makes a difference for this Cottage Cheese Lasagna .
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (115g) shredded, divided.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) grated, divided.
- Fresh basil: For garnish. This is totally optional but adds a touch of fancy!
Seasoning Notes
Spice it up! You can totally adjust the seasonings to your taste. Honestly, I sometimes throw in a pinch of Italian seasoning too. It adds depth.
- Oregano and basil are your power couple here.
- Red pepper flakes add a kick. If you are avoiding spicy food, just skip it.
- Garlic is non-negotiable in Italian cooking!
Quick sub? Italian seasoning works in a pinch if you are missing oregano or basil.
Equipment Needed
Less is more when it comes to equipment. I hate doing dishes, don't you? This Easy Lasagna Bowl needs minimal tools.
- Large skillet or pot: For that yummy meat sauce.
- Colander: To drain the noodles.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: No brainer.
- Four serving bowls: For assembling your masterpiece!
Don't have a skillet? A large saucepan works too. This Cottage Cheese Bowls Lunch is all about keeping it simple.
Unleash Your Inner Nonna with this Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl!
Craving lasagna but short on time? I've got you! My Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl is the answer. Forget fiddling with layers and baking for ages.
This recipe gives you all the comfort of lasagna in a fraction of the time. Trust me, this easy lasagna bowl will become a weeknight hero.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key
First things first, let's get organized. It's all about that mise en place . Chop your onion. Mince your garlic. Cook your lasagna noodles, and then roughly chop/tear.
I tell ya, the taste on these Cottage Cheese Bowls is out of this world. Having everything ready to go saves you time and stress later.
Oh my gosh! Also, remember to handle that raw beef safely. Wash your hands, folks!
step-by-step to Lasagna Bowl Bliss
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how this deconstructed lasagna recipe comes together:
- Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat . Drain any excess fat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook until softened, about 3- 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes .
- Cook 8oz lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and chop into bite sized pieces.
- Divide noodles among 4 bowls. Top with 15 oz cottage cheese, meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Broil for 2 minutes , or microwave for 1- 2 minutes , until cheese is melted. Watch it closely!
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a tasty and fancy treat.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Lasagna Bowl
Want to take your Cottage Cheese Lasagna game to the next level? Here’s the inside scoop. Don’t overcook the noodles.
Aim for al dente so they don't get mushy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Honestly, that's how you put that personal touch on any dish! And if you’re prepping ahead, you can cook the noodles a day or two in advance.
Makes assembling these cottage cheese meal prep bowls a breeze!
I hope you enjoyed my recipe for this super easy and tasty High Protein Lasagna Bowl .
Recipe Notes for Your Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl
Okay, so you're ready to dive into making this Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl . Before you get started, let's chat about some things that'll make it even more scrummy!
Serving It Up: Plating and Presentation
Honestly, with deconstructed lasagna recipe like this, presentation is key! I like to layer everything nice and neatly, so you see all the colours.
A sprinkle of fresh basil on top makes it look proper fancy. A side of garlic bread is always a winner, you know? You could also serve it with a crisp Caesar Salad .
Fancy a drink? A simple glass of water is fine, but why not go for a classic Italian Red Wine
Storage Secrets
So, you've made a big batch of these Cottage Cheese Bowls Lunch . Now what?
- Fridge Rules : These bowls will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Make sure they're in an airtight container. You don’t want any fridge aromas getting in there.
- Freezing (if you must!) : I wouldn't really recommend freezing these, as the texture of the cottage cheese can change. If you have to, let them cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. They'll keep for about 2 months .
- Reheating : Microwaving is the quickest way to reheat. Give it about 2 minutes , check it's heated through, then add more if need be.
Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl Variations: Make it Your Own
Want to mix things up? Sorted!
- Vegetarian Vibes: Swap the meat for some sauteed mushrooms and peppers. Trust me, it’s lush!
- Less Carbs : Use zucchini noodles to save on carbs. It gives a great al dente bite.
Nutritional Nitty Gritty
Right, let’s keep it simple. Each bowl packs a punch with about 550 calories, and a whopping 45g of protein.
This makes it a great High Protein Lasagna Bowl option! It's got less fat because we swapped ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese.
It also contains 40g carbs and 4g fiber. Also, a sodium level of 800mg. Think of this Easy Lasagna Bowl as a healthier spin on a classic! These Cottage Cheese Meal Prep Bowls are a treat for anyone looking for balanced nutrition.
So, there you have it. A few notes to help you nail this Quick Weeknight Lasagna Bowl . Now go forth and make some deliciousness ! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can assemble the bowls ahead of time, cover them tightly with foil, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until heated through and the cheese is melted. Just like having a cheeky ready meal, but way tastier!
I'm not a fan of cottage cheese. Can I substitute it in this Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl recipe?
No worries! If cottage cheese isn't your cup of tea, you can easily substitute ricotta cheese for a more traditional lasagna flavor. You could also try a creamy cashew ricotta for a vegan option. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to experiment!
How long does leftover Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can microwave individual portions for a quick lunch. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps to keep the cheese melty and delicious.
Can I freeze this Tasty Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl for meal prepping?
Yes, you can freeze these bowls! Assemble the bowls, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.
They won't be quite as perfect as fresh, but still a cracking convenient option.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any ways to lighten up this Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowl?
Definitely! You can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey to reduce the fat content. Opt for part skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of cheese used. Also, you can add some finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Consider replacing half of the noodles with zucchini ribbons for a lower carb option.
My kids are super fussy eaters. How can I adapt this recipe to make it more appealing for them?
Ah, the age-old parent dilemma! You can finely chop the vegetables in the sauce so they're less noticeable. A touch of sugar in the sauce can also mellow out the acidity and make it more palatable for picky eaters.
Consider using fun-shaped pasta instead of lasagna noodles, or even serving it with a side of garlic bread cut into fun shapes. A little bit of distraction can go a long way!
Deconstructed Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bowls A Com
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |