Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef (Print Version)
Enjoy a creamy, high-protein cottage cheese pasta bake featuring savory ground beef. A satisfying and nutritious meal for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Beef & Aromatics
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
06 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
07 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Pasta & Rich Tomato Base
08 -
12 oz penne or ziti pasta
09 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
10 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
11 -
1/2 cup beef broth
→ Creamy Protein Powerhouse
12 -
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
13 -
1/2 cup 2% milk
14 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Golden Topping & Freshness
15 -
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
16 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz penne or ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This initial step sets the stage for your delicious Creamy 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 any excess fat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 -
Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1/2 cup beef broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes.
04 -
While the sauce simmers, prepare the creamy layer. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup 2% milk, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth. This creamy mixture is key to the 'Creamy Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef'.
05 -
In a large baking dish (9x13 inch), combine the cooked pasta with the ground beef tomato sauce. Spread half of this mixture evenly in the dish. Dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta and sauce.
06 -
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
07 -
Let your Creamy Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Ground Beef rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the bake to set, making it easier to serve.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer flavor, substitute the beef broth with red wine in the sauce. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
02 -
Assemble the entire bake up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
03 -
This hearty pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
04 -
To further increase protein, consider stirring in 1/2 cup of unflavored protein powder into the cottage cheese mixture (ensure it's a type that bakes well without becoming gritty).
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Cutting board
07 -
Knife
08 -
Spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 558 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 53 g
Protein: 42 g