Save This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food while staying on track with their nutritional goals. By incorporating cottage cheese and Greek yogurt into the sauce, this recipe creates a remarkably creamy texture and delivers a powerful 35g of protein per serving. It's a hearty, savory dinner that proves you don't need heavy cream to achieve a rich and satisfying pasta bake.
Save Beyond its impressive nutritional profile, this bake is all about the layers of flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and zesty marinara sauce creates a traditional Italian-American base, while the melted mozzarella and Parmesan topping provides that quintessential golden crust everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 cups (450 g) cottage cheese, full-fat preferred
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (90 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat penne until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water if needed for later.
- Step 3
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Step 4
- In a mixing bowl, blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5
- In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta first. Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the pasta, then pour the marinara sauce on top. Gently mix to combine.
- Step 6
- Spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and spread evenly with a spatula. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, covering the surface completely.
- Step 7
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Step 8
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the smoothest sauce possible, use a high-speed blender to combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt before spreading it over the pasta. Additionally, ensure you drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to prevent the bake from becoming too oily.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To vary the protein source, you can easily substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken. For an extra nutritional boost, try stirring in chopped spinach or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the meat mixture before assembling the dish. If you prefer a lighter version, reduced-fat mozzarella and Parmesan can be used.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed broccoli. For a more indulgent meal, serve it alongside some warm garlic bread to soak up any extra marinara sauce. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Save Whether you're looking for a post-workout meal or a comforting family dinner, this Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy textures and savory flavors in every bite!
Cooking Guide
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- → What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese works well as a direct substitute. For a dairy-free option, try blended silken tofu or a cashew cream base, though the protein content will vary.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at 50% power or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- → Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- → Why is the pasta cooked al dente?
Cooking pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy during baking. The pasta continues cooking in the oven while absorbing the sauce.
- → How can I increase the vegetable content?
Add spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef mixture while cooking. You can also layer roasted vegetables between the pasta and cheese.