Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Ideal for those seeking a meatless yet satisfying meal.
- Nutritious: Packed with spinach, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Make-Ahead: Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it convenient for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich flavors and comforting textures are sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (32-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1½ cups water
- 2 cups non-fat cottage cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package lasagna noodles
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion and crushed garlic until tender.
- Add thawed and drained spinach, oregano, and basil; cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and water; simmer for 20 minutes.
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the spinach sauce.
- Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread one-third of the cottage cheese over the noodles, followed by one-third of the spinach sauce.
- Sprinkle with a portion of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers two more times, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
-
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Additional Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Whole Wheat Noodles: Use whole wheat lasagna noodles to increase fiber content.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftover lasagna for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Portion and freeze lasagna in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted, then drain and chop before adding to the recipe.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling?
No, this recipe uses uncooked lasagna noodles, which will cook during baking.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a common substitute for cottage cheese in lasagna recipes.
How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?
Ensure the spinach is well-drained, and let the lasagna rest after baking to allow it to set.
Can I add meat to this lasagna?
Yes, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce layer if desired.
Is it okay to use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles can be used; adjust the sauce quantity as needed to ensure proper noodle hydration.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before serving?
Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the layers to set for easier slicing.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! If you love extra cheesy lasagna, feel free to increase the mozzarella and Parmesan amounts.
What can I serve with this spinach lasagna?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well with this lasagna.
Conclusion
Simple Spinach Lasagna is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that even meat lovers will enjoy. With its layers of cheesy goodness and savory spinach filling, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you make it fresh or prepare it ahead of time, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Simple Spinach Lasagna
This Simple Spinach Lasagna is a hearty and delicious vegetarian dish, layered with tender noodles, a rich spinach and cheese filling, and savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings, this lasagna is both satisfying and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (32-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1½ cups water
- 2 cups non-fat cottage cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until tender.
- Stir in spinach, oregano, and basil; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add spaghetti sauce and water; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the spinach sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread one-third of the cottage cheese over the noodles, followed by one-third of the spinach sauce.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ricotta Substitute: Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more flavor.
- No-Boil Noodles: You can use no-boil noodles; just ensure the sauce is slightly more liquid.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.