Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef (Print Version)
Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef offers a high-protein, satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, this hearty dish is perfect for weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Beef & Tomato Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
06 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
07 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
08 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Creamy Protein Core
09 -
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1 large egg
12 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Pasta & Golden Topping
13 -
12 oz penne pasta
14 -
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
15 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This is the foundation for your delicious Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
02 -
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add 1 yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more.
03 -
Stir in 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld for your Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake.
04 -
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups 2% cottage cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. This creamy mixture adds the protein punch to your Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
05 -
In a large bowl, combine the cooked 12 oz penne pasta with the beef marinara sauce. Gently fold in the cottage cheese mixture. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture.
06 -
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let the Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef rest for 5 minutes before serving.
07 -
Garnish the baked pasta with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, before serving. This hearty and protein-packed Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is perfect for a family meal and makes excellent leftovers.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra veggie boost, sauté diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion in Step 2. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
02 -
Leftovers of this Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 -
Serve this hearty pasta bake with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete the meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always a good idea!
04 -
To further increase the protein, consider using a high-protein pasta or adding a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the cottage cheese mixture (ensure it's heat-stable).
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Mixing bowls
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 644 kcal
Total Fat: 27 g
Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
Protein: 49 g