High-Protein Ground Beef & Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake (Print Version)
High-protein cottage cheese pasta bake features savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cottage cheese for a satisfying, easy weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Beef & Tomato Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
08 -
1/2 cup beef broth
→ The Creamy Cottage Cheese Layer
09 -
24 oz low-fat cottage cheese
10 -
1 large egg
11 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Pasta & Golden Topping
13 -
12 oz penne pasta
14 -
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
15 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Flavor Boosters & Seasoning
16 -
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
17 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
18 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step sets the stage for your High-Protein Cottage Cheese 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 (90/10) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add 1 yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 -
Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1/2 cup beef broth, 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 -
In a medium bowl, combine 24 oz low-fat cottage cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Mix well until thoroughly combined. This creamy layer is key to the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
05 -
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked penne pasta. Top with half of the beef and tomato sauce, then spread all of the cottage cheese mixture evenly. Add the remaining pasta, then the remaining beef sauce.
06 -
Sprinkle 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This completes the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
07 -
Remove the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to portion.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra boost of veggies, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers to the beef sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 -
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef sauce.
04 -
Feel free to use whole wheat penne for added fiber, or swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano in the cottage cheese layer for a sharper flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Large pot
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Mixing bowls
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Cutting board
07 -
Knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 667 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
Protein: 55 g