Protein Pasta Bake: Cottage Cheese & Ground Beef (Print Version)
Protein-packed pasta bake featuring creamy cottage cheese, savory ground beef, and hearty pasta. A satisfying, easy-to-make meal for any night.
# 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 & Tomato Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
07 -
1 tsp dried oregano
08 -
1/2 tsp dried basil
→ Protein-Packed Creamy Core
09 -
12 oz penne pasta
10 -
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (1% or 2%)
11 -
1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Golden Cheesy Topping
13 -
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
14 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Essential Seasonings
15 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This initial prep ensures your Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef comes together smoothly.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, 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, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp dried basil. 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, in a medium bowl, combine 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Mix well until thoroughly combined. This creamy core is key to the protein-packed goodness of your Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
05 -
Add the cooked penne pasta to the beef tomato sauce and stir to combine. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
06 -
Repeat the layers: add the remaining pasta mixture, then the rest of the cottage cheese mixture. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
07 -
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown. For the best Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef, ensure it's heated through and the cheese is perfectly browned.
08 -
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set, making it easier to portion and ensuring a perfect slice of your delicious Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef.
# Notes:
01 -
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce with the garlic for a subtle kick of heat.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 -
For extra vegetables, feel free to add a cup of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) to the cottage cheese mixture.
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 pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Cutting board
07 -
Knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 613 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
Protein: 46 g