Easy No-Boil Lasagna with Cottage Cheese: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Family Dinner

Say goodbye to complicated, time-consuming lasagna recipes! This **timeless no-boil lasagna recipe with cottage cheese** is an absolute game-changer, especially for families with kids. It’s generously layered with rich, flavorful sauce, boasts a high protein content, and ingeniously incorporates spinach so subtly that even picky eaters won’t notice. The best part? **No boiling required** for the noodles, saving you precious time and a mountain of dishes!

Homemade lasagna has never been more straightforward or more incredibly delicious! This quick and easy lasagna recipe is destined to become your family’s new favorite comfort food from the very first bite. While “quick and easy” for lasagna might still involve a little layering, the payoff of a bubbling, cheesy, savory dish is absolutely worth it.

For those who truly savor the process of cooking and desire an authentic “from scratch” flavor, consider elevating this dish by making a batch of homemade cherry tomato sauce. This can brilliantly replace one of the jars of marinara sauce the recipe calls for. The difference in depth of flavor is truly remarkable, transforming an already fantastic dish into something extraordinary.

This versatile lasagna with cottage cheese isn’t just for special occasions; it’s a staple in our household for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, and thoughtful meal deliveries to friends and family. Its universal appeal was recently confirmed when a family I shared it with during a challenging time immediately texted me asking for the recipe. It’s that good!

When I’m not whipping up a pan of this comforting lasagna, you’ll likely find me preparing other family favorites such as tortellini tossed with chicken and pesto or air fryer pesto salmon, both utilizing my incredibly simple homemade pesto recipe. These dishes consistently earn rave reviews from all three of my children, a testament to their deliciousness and family-friendliness.

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Why This Lasagna Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

Forget traditional lasagna recipes that demand hours in the kitchen. This isn’t just any lasagna; it’s the ultimate hassle-free version designed for modern families. Crafted with lean ground turkey and nutrient-rich spinach, and using creamy cottage cheese instead of ricotta, it boasts a preparation time of just fifteen minutes. I’ve perfected this recipe over years, and its deliciousness never fades.

• Unquestionably Kid-Friendly: Affectionately dubbed the ‘best ever lasagna’ by both children and adults, its mild, cheesy flavor and smooth texture make it a winner for even the pickiest eaters. The spinach is seamlessly integrated, offering vital nutrients without detection!
• Effortlessly Adaptable: Whether you prefer classic white, gluten-free, or our recommended whole grain lasagna noodles for added fiber, this recipe accommodates all, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.
• Revolutionary No-Boil Method: This ingenious approach eliminates the need to pre-boil noodles, significantly cutting down on preparation time, reducing kitchen mess, and simplifying cleanup. More time enjoying, less time scrubbing!
• Surprisingly Quick & Easy: While “quick” and “easy” are relative terms for a hearty dish like lasagna, this recipe is remarkably streamlined. It shaves off considerable time compared to conventional methods, making it accessible for busy schedules.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Assemble the entire lasagna ahead of time, cover it securely, and refrigerate for one or two days until you’re ready to bake. This feature makes it perfect for planning ahead or prepping meals for the week.
• Convenient Leftovers: Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave for another quick dinner or can be packed in a thermos for a warm and satisfying school lunch.
• Perfect for Sharing: This crowd-pleasing dish is excellent for hosting guests or extending a helping hand to others – whether bringing a meal to new parents or those settling into a new home.

😎 Dietitian’s Corner: Nutritious & Delicious Meals for the Family

Crafting nourishing recipes that genuinely appeal to the entire family can often feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This lasagna recipe stands out as an exemplary choice for children because it masterfully infuses nutritious ingredients without overwhelming delicate palates. It cleverly incorporates elements kids naturally adore, such as comforting noodles and irresistible gooey cheese, making healthy eating an enjoyable experience.

Unlike recipes with strong, polarizing flavors, this classic lasagna offers a harmonious blend that is widely appealing. This subtle flavor profile is particularly advantageous for children who tend to prefer simpler, more familiar tastes, ensuring that this wholesome dish will become a cherished household favorite, requested again and again.

Key Ingredients for Your Easy Lasagna

• Lasagna Noodles: The magic of this recipe lies in using regular, uncooked lasagna noodles. There’s absolutely no need to purchase specialized “oven-ready” or “no-boil” varieties. For an added boost of fiber and a slightly firmer structure, whole wheat lasagna noodles are an excellent choice. However, traditional white pasta and gluten-free lasagna noodles will also work beautifully, absorbing moisture from the sauce as they bake to achieve perfect al dente tenderness.
• Cottage Cheese: This ingredient is a fantastic alternative to ricotta, especially if you or your family are not fond of ricotta’s grainier texture. Cottage cheese provides a wonderful creamy base, is an excellent source of lean protein, and offers a good amount of calcium, contributing to a more wholesome and kid-friendly filling.
• Pasta Sauce: High-quality store-bought marinara sauce is a brilliant time-saver here. I often combine two varieties for a more complex flavor profile, such as Trader Joe’s Organic Spaghetti Sauce with Mushrooms and their Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce. For best results, avoid overly chunky sauces which can interfere with smooth layering, or super thin sauces that might make the lasagna watery. A medium-consistency sauce works best for optimal moisture absorption by the noodles.
• Spinach: A true nutrient powerhouse! Spinach enriches this lasagna with a wealth of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate, iron, and fiber. When finely chopped and mixed into the cheese layer, it adds vibrant color and a subtle texture without being overpowering, making it an ideal “hidden veggie” for kids.
• Ground Turkey: This lean protein source makes the lasagna hearty and incredibly filling. It can be easily substituted based on preference: grass-fed ground beef or Italian sausage offer richer flavors, while Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) is a fantastic option for a satisfying vegetarian lasagna.
• Egg: The egg serves a dual purpose, adding extra protein to the cheese mixture and acting as a crucial binding agent. It helps create a cohesive and sturdy cheese layer, preventing it from crumbling when sliced.
• Mozzarella Cheese: What’s lasagna without that iconic, irresistible mozzarella stretch? This gooey cheese is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike, creating those coveted cheesy layers. Using pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella is a convenient way to reduce saturated fat while maintaining excellent meltability.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Beyond its delightful salty, umami flavor, Parmesan cheese also plays a role in binding the cheese mixture. Its strong flavor complements the milder mozzarella and cottage cheese, adding depth to each bite. I find the pre-shredded Parmigiano Reggiano from Costco to be a great, ready-to-use option.
• Spices (Dried Parsley & Black Pepper): This recipe keeps the seasoning simple, relying on dried parsley for a touch of herbaceous freshness and black pepper for a subtle kick. Given the natural saltiness from the cheeses and cottage cheese, additional salt is often unnecessary, but you can adjust to your taste. If dried parsley isn’t available, dried oregano or an Italian seasoning blend make excellent substitutes.

How To Assemble Your Delicious No-Boil Lasagna

Preparing this kid-friendly lasagna is simpler than you might think. Here’s a streamlined overview of the steps. For the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the full recipe card.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ground turkey. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and the ground turkey is thoroughly browned. Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in all but one cup of the marinara sauce, ensuring the meat is well coated.
2. While your turkey and sauce are simmering, prepare the creamy cheese layer. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, black pepper, and the well-drained spinach. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.

3. Prepare your baking dish. Spread the reserved one cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch lasagna pan (or a similar sized baking dish) that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
4. Carefully arrange 4 uncooked lasagna noodles side by side over the marinara sauce, ensuring they cover the bottom of the dish without significant overlap. You may need to gently break some noodles to fit your pan perfectly.
5. Evenly spread the cottage cheese and spinach mixture over the layer of uncooked noodles. This will be a thick, creamy layer.

6. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the spinach and cottage cheese layer. This adds another dimension of cheesy goodness.
7. Next, take half of the prepared ground turkey and marinara sauce mixture and spread it evenly over the mozzarella cheese layer.
8. Place another 4 uncooked lasagna noodles side by side, creating the second pasta layer over the turkey mixture. Again, break noodles as needed for a good fit.

9. Spread the remaining ground turkey and marinara sauce mixture over the second layer of noodles. This will be your final saucy layer.
10. To complete your lasagna, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top meat sauce layer. This will melt into a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
11. Bake the lasagna in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. The sauce should be visibly bubbling around the edges, and the cheese on top should be melted and lightly golden. Once baked, let the lasagna rest for five minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents a messy collapse.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for Perfect Lasagna

• Preparing Spinach: If you’re using frozen chopped spinach, it’s crucial to defrost it completely and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This prevents the lasagna from becoming watery. For fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in a small amount of oil until it wilts down, then ensure it’s well-drained before mixing into the cottage cheese.
• Chopping Spinach for Kids: To make the spinach virtually undetectable for children, tear fresh spinach leaves into smaller pieces before cooking. Alternatively, use kitchen shears to finely snip the cooked spinach into tiny bits.
• Effortless Onion Prep: For quick and uniform dicing of the onion, I highly recommend using a food chopper. It saves time and ensures consistent cooking.
• Garlic Options: While fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced, offer the best flavor, jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute. If neither is on hand, a pinch of garlic powder will work in a pinch. Garlic salt can also be used, but be mindful of the added sodium and adjust other seasonings accordingly.
• Spice Swaps: If you don’t have dried parsley, feel free to use dried oregano or a mixed Italian seasoning blend. These herbs will impart a similar aromatic profile to your lasagna.
• Noodle Placement: Baking dishes vary in size. Don’t hesitate to gently break some of the lasagna noodle sheets to ensure they fit snugly and cover the entire layer without excessive overlap. This is key for even cooking.
• Egg Alternatives: For a lighter option or dietary preference, two egg whites or ¼ cup of liquid egg substitute can be used as a direct replacement for one whole egg.
• The Magic of No-Boil: A common misconception is that you need special “oven-ready” or “no-boil” lasagna noodles. This recipe proves that regular lasagna noodles, when baked with ample sauce for the correct duration, achieve a perfect al dente texture without any pre-cooking. The liquid from the sauce hydrates them beautifully!
• Portioning for Smaller Batches: This recipe is easily divisible. For two smaller lasagnas (one to enjoy now, one to freeze or gift), simply use two 8×8 inch square baking dishes instead of a single 9×13 inch pan.
• Freezing Leftovers: Leftover lasagna freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for later enjoyment – it reheats wonderfully!

What to Serve with Your Delicious Lasagna

Complete your Italian-inspired meal with these perfect accompaniments:

• Garlic bread, for dipping in that luscious sauce.
• Applesauce, either homemade or store-bought, offers a sweet contrast.
• A simple, crisp lettuce salad with a light vinaigrette.
• A vibrant and flavorful Tuscan kale salad.
• Quick and tasty Air fryer Broccoli Parmesan.
• Perfectly tender Roasted Brussels sprouts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna

More Easy Italian-Inspired Recipes to Love

If you enjoyed this lasagna, explore these other simple and delicious Italian-inspired dishes:

• Caprese Bruschetta
• 10-Minute Margherita Flatbread
• Quick BBQ Chicken Flatbread
• Easiest Homemade Pesto
• Flavorful Pesto Salmon in Air Fryer
• 15-Minute Pesto Tortellini with Broccoli and Chicken

More Kid-Approved Dinner Recipes Your Family Will Crave

Looking for more dinner ideas that even the pickiest eaters will adore? Check out these family favorites:

Did your family love this easy no-boil lasagna recipe as much as mine does? A 5-star rating is the highest compliment! And of course, we’d absolutely love for you to leave a comment below and share your experience!!

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📖 Recipe

Easy No-Boil Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Kristi

This timeless, easy lasagna recipe with cottage cheese is a family favorite, perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s rich in sauce, packed with protein, and cleverly incorporates spinach. Best of all, no boiling of noodles is required, and it’s made without ricotta for a lighter, smoother texture!

4.91 from 33 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time

20 minutes
mins

Cook Time

40 minutes
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Additional Time

5 minutes
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Total Time

1 hour
hr
5 minutes
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Course
Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine
Italian

Servings

10
servings

Calories

273
kcal

Equipment

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  1 Large skillet

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  1 Mixing bowl

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  1 Lasagna pan

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  measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

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  8 Lasagna noodles Preferably whole wheat lasagna noodles.

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  1 pound ground turkey

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  1 yellow onion diced

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  2 tablespoon avocado oil

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  2 garlic cloves minced

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  10 ounces spinach I use baby spinach. Cooked and drained.

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  2 25 ounce jars of marinara sauce

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  8 ounces two cups shredded mozzarella cheese Part-skim mozzarella.

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  16 ounces cottage cheese Low fat (2% milkfat).

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  ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Shredded. I buy it pre-shredded from Costco.

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  1 tablespoon dried Parsley

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  1 egg

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  ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175°C).
• In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and ground turkey. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and the onions are soft.
• Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in both jars of marinara sauce, reserving one cup for later use at the bottom of the pan. Mix well to combine with the ground turkey.
• While the turkey mixture cools slightly, in a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, dried parsley, black pepper, and the well-drained spinach. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Set this cheese mixture aside.
• Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish (or lasagna pan) with cooking spray. Spread the reserved one cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish to create the first layer.
• Carefully lay 4 uncooked lasagna noodles side by side over the marinara sauce, ensuring they cover the entire layer. Break noodles as needed to fit the dimensions of your baking dish.
• Evenly spread the cottage cheese and spinach mixture over the layer of noodles.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese layer.
• Spread half of the prepared ground turkey and marinara sauce mixture evenly over the mozzarella layer.
• Place the remaining 4 uncooked lasagna noodles side by side over the turkey mixture. Break them to fit as necessary.
• Top with the remaining ground turkey and marinara sauce mixture, spreading it out to cover the noodles completely.
• Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top meat sauce layer. This will form a delicious, golden crust.
• Bake the lasagna in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. The sauce should be visibly bubbling around the sides, and the cheese on top should be melted and lightly golden brown.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for at least five minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the layers to set, preventing a messy dish when you cut into it.

Notes

Tips for cooked spinach: I find it much easier to sauté fresh spinach than having to defrost and drain frozen spinach. I buy fresh spinach in bulk and then cook it down by sautéing it in a very small amount of avocado oil so I don’t have to take the time to drain it (as if I would if I cooked it in water or used defrosted, frozen spinach).

• I either tear the spinach leaves into smaller pieces before I add it to the skillet, or I use kitchen shears to cut the cooked spinach into smaller pieces.
• You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. If using frozen, be sure to defrost it first and drain it very well.
• While the turkey is cooking, add water and spinach to a separate medium-sized skillet.
• The lasagna noodles should not overlap significantly. If needed, break some of the lasagna noodles to get them to fit the size of your baking dish perfectly.
• I suggest using a food chopper to quickly and uniformly chop the onion.
• I like to use fresh garlic cloves, chopped or minced, for the best flavor. However, jarred minced garlic can be used for convenience.
• If you don’t have fresh or jarred minced garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. Garlic salt would also work, but remember to adjust for the added salt.
• If you don’t have dried parsley, Italian seasoning or dried oregano can be used as a suitable substitute.
• Not all baking dishes are the exact same size. Don’t be afraid to break a few lasagna sheets to ensure they fit well and create even layers.
• Two egg whites, or ¼ cup of egg substitute, can be used in place of one whole egg for dietary adjustments.
• When raw lasagna noodles are used with sufficient sauce and baked for the right amount of time, the pasta will cook to a perfect al dente texture, just as it should be.
• To reiterate for clarity: you do not need to purchase special “oven ready lasagna noodles” or “no-boil” lasagna noodles. Simply use regular lasagna noodles, as there is no need to cook them beforehand.
• This recipe can be conveniently divided in two (one to serve immediately, and one to freeze or give away) by using two 8×8 inch square baking dishes instead of a single 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Leftovers can be frozen to be reheated for another quick and easy meal.

Recipe variations:

• Ground turkey can be substituted with grass-fed ground beef or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• To easily make this a vegetarian lasagna, substitute the ground turkey with Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP).

Nutrition

Calories:
273
kcal


Carbohydrates:
21
g


Protein:
28
g


Fat:
9
g


Saturated Fat:
4
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
4
g


Trans Fat:
1
g


Cholesterol:
62
mg


Sodium:
422
mg


Potassium:
433
mg


Fiber:
1
g


Sugar:
2
g


Vitamin A:
2849
IU


Vitamin C:
9
mg


Calcium:
282
mg


Iron:
2
mg

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