Print

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups

high-protein cottage cheese lasagna roll-ups - featured image
Print Recipe

These lasagna roll-ups feature a creamy, protein-packed cottage cheese filling paired with a savory meat sauce, offering a comforting yet healthy dinner option that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
  • 2 cups small-curd low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 2 cups tomato sauce (marinara, no added sugar)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes for regular noodles). Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. Skip this step if using no-boil noodles.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add tomato sauce and seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chopped fresh basil and parsley near the end.
  4. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, one large egg, half the grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth but still a bit chunky. For a creamier texture, pulse the cottage cheese briefly in a food processor before mixing.
  5. Assemble the roll-ups: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay one noodle flat, spread about 1/4 cup of the cottage cheese mixture evenly along the noodle. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
  6. Top and bake: Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups, then sprinkle mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan evenly on top. Cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in.
  7. Bake: Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If using no-boil noodles, add a bit more sauce to ensure they soften properly during baking. Let roll-ups rest after baking to keep filling intact when slicing. The sauce can be made a day ahead to deepen flavor. For gluten-free, substitute noodles with gluten-free or thinly sliced zucchini strips. For dairy-free, use plant-based cottage cheese alternatives. Drain cooked meat well to avoid watery sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: high-protein, cottage cheese, lasagna roll-ups, healthy dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabake.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-lasagna-roll-ups-easy-healthy-dinner-recipe/