Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef, and creamy cottage cheese, it offers a satisfying balance of flavors and protein. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain thoroughly and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the texture later.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain excess grease and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta first, then spread the beef mixture evenly over it. Pour the marinara sauce on top and gently mix to combine.
5. Step 5: Dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top, covering the surface completely.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow easier slicing and a better texture.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
• Try adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• If the bake seems dry before adding cheese, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a different lean protein option.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy ingredients.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Regular cream cheese has a different texture and higher fat content, which may make the dish heavier and less creamy. Cottage cheese combined with Greek yogurt provides a lighter, protein-rich creaminess that works best.

Is whole wheat pasta necessary for this recipe?

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients, making the dish healthier, but you can use any pasta you prefer or have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the pasta type.

Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is a hearty and nutritious meal featuring whole wheat penne pasta, lean ground beef, and a creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt mixture. Baked to golden perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta

Meat & Aromatics

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Dairy & Sauce

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust texture if needed.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine.
3. Mix Cottage Cheese and Yogurt: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. Preheat the Oven and Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, place the cooked pasta as the base layer. Evenly distribute the cooked beef mixture over the pasta, then spoon the marinara sauce on top. Gently mix to combine all ingredients slightly.
5. Add Dairy Toppings: Dollop the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt mixture evenly over the layered pasta bake. Using a spatula, spread it smoothly across the surface. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, covering the entire dish.
6. Bake the Pasta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the texture. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

• Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber content and adds a nuttier flavor to the dish.
• Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for creaminess, but low-fat can be used for a lighter version.
• Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and maintain the desired consistency.
• Resting the bake after cooking improves slicing and texture.
• Make sure to drain excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta bake, ground beef pasta, high protein pasta, whole wheat penne bake, easy pasta casserole, healthy comfort food