Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef (Print Version)
Protein-packed cottage cheese pasta bake featuring savory ground beef and hearty pasta. A satisfying, easy-to-make meal for busy 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 Meat & Pasta Foundation
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (93/7 recommended)
02 -
12 oz penne pasta
→ Robust Tomato & Herb Sauce
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 -
1/2 cup beef broth
08 -
2 tsp dried oregano
09 -
1 tsp dried basil
10 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
11 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Creamy Cheesy Layers
13 -
2 cups (16 oz) low-fat cottage cheese (1% or 2%)
14 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
15 -
2 large eggs
16 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
17 -
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1 large yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 -
Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup beef broth, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld for your Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
04 -
While the sauce simmers, prepare the creamy layer. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups (16 oz) low-fat cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This mixture is key to the protein content of your Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
05 -
Stir the cooked 12 oz penne pasta into the meat sauce until well coated. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully spoon and spread the entire cottage cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, ensuring an even distribution for your Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
06 -
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let your Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra veggie boost, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the onion.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 -
Don't overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven, ensuring a perfect al dente texture in the final dish.
04 -
Serve this hearty bake with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
# 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 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 622 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
Protein: 51 g