Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
