High-Protein Cottage Cheese Beef Pasta Bake (Print Version)
High-protein cottage cheese pasta bake with beef offers a satisfying, cheesy, and hearty meal. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it's a family-friendly dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Beef & Aromatics
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
06 -
1/2 cup beef broth
→ Al Dente Core
07 -
12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
→ Creamy Protein Powerhouse
08 -
2 cups low-fat (2%) cottage cheese
09 -
1 large egg
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
→ Flavor Boosters & Seasoning
12 -
1 tsp dried oregano
13 -
1 tsp dried basil
14 -
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
15 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
16 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta. This prepares the foundation for your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Beef.
02 -
In a large skillet, brown 1.5 lbs lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Drain any excess fat. Add 1 large yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, for 1 minute.
03 -
Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 -
Add 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This ensures the pasta holds up perfectly in your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Beef.
05 -
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, 1 large egg, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined. This creates the creamy, protein-rich layer for the bake.
06 -
Spread half of the cooked penne pasta in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the beef sauce, then dollop with the cottage cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining pasta and beef sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
07 -
Bake the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Beef for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the mozzarella cheese is melted and lightly golden brown on top.
08 -
Let the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Beef rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for a fresh finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce for a subtle kick.
02 -
Leftovers of this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake with Beef store wonderfully! Cover and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
03 -
Feel free to swap whole wheat penne for another short pasta like ziti or rigatoni. Ground turkey can also be used instead of beef for a leaner option.
04 -
Letting the pasta bake rest for a few minutes after baking allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat portions.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
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: 645 kcal
Total Fat: 22 g
Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
Protein: 54 g