Save Tender al dente pasta mingles with rich tomato-beef sauce, fluffy cottage cheese, and bubbling mozzarella, creating a hearty, creamy bake that's golden and irresistible. This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is a high-protein dinner solution that brings comfort to the table in just over an hour. With 41 grams of protein per serving, it is as functional as it is delicious.
Save This recipe is designed for those who crave the creamy indulgence of a traditional pasta bake but want a healthier, higher-protein alternative. By using cottage cheese instead of heavy cream or ricotta, you achieve a light yet satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the savory meat sauce.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rigatoni
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- Cottage Cheese: 1 cup (8 ounces) low-fat cottage cheese
- Cheeses: ½ cup grated Parmesan and 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella (divided)
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Sauce: 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 6 oz tomato paste, ½ cup beef broth or water
- Pantry & Spices: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 2
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Step 5
- Stir in tomato paste to coat the beef. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6
- In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, beef-tomato sauce, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and half (½ cup) of the mozzarella. Toss gently until evenly mixed.
- Step 7
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella over the top.
- Step 8
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges.
- Step 9
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a large pot for boiling the pasta and a 9×13-inch baking dish for even heat distribution. You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight; simply bake it when you are ready to serve. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and should be reheated covered to maintain moisture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. To boost the nutritional profile further, try adding 2 cups of fresh spinach or diced bell peppers to the sauce. If you have gluten sensitivity, this recipe works excellently with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the hot pasta bake with a generous handful of fresh parsley or basil leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve this hearty meal with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors of the mozzarella and beef sauce.
Save Enjoy this satisfying and nutrient-dense Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake as a staple in your weekly rotation. With its perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, it provides a complete and comforting meal that supports a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely. While penne or rigatoni are recommended for their ability to hold the sauce, you can use any medium-sized pasta shape like ziti, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure it's cooked to al dente before mixing.
- → What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a lighter version, you can easily substitute lean ground turkey or ground chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, cooked lentils or plant-based ground crumbles would work well, ensuring they are well-seasoned.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this bake is excellent for making ahead. Assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering to prevent drying.
- → Are there ways to add more vegetables?
Certainly! You can easily boost the vegetable content by stirring in about 2 cups of fresh spinach or finely diced bell peppers along with the pasta and sauce mixture. It adds extra nutrients and color without altering the core flavor profile.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount to ¾ or 1 teaspoon. For a milder dish, simply omit them entirely.