High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Combining lean ground beef, tomato-rich sauce, and a creamy cheese blend, it offers a balanced mix of flavors and nutrients. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles (dry)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, low fat, divided)
• 1 cup cream cheese (low fat, softened)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low fat)
• Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 13″x9″ casserole dish by spraying it with oil.
2. Step 2: Boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Step 3: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken without burning.
6. Step 6: Add 2 cups of the beef mixture to the bowl with the spaghetti and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth.
8. Step 8: Spread half of the remaining beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture over the beef, then spread the cheese mixture evenly on top.
9. Step 9: Add the remaining spaghetti mixture over the cheese, then top with the rest of the beef mixture.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Step 11: Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Step 12: Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, try adding chopped bell peppers or spinach to the sauce as it simmers.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or bake the entire casserole covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Covering the dish with foil during most of the baking time helps retain moisture. Also, make sure the sauce simmers until thick but still moist before assembling to keep the casserole juicy.

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole combines hearty lean ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting casserole is a protein-packed meal ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles (dry)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Beef and Sauce

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, low fat, divided)
• 1 cup cream cheese (low fat, softened)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat)

Garnish

• Fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13″x9″ casserole dish with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
4. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmer Beef with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and most of the water has evaporated, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Combine Spaghetti and Beef: Add 2 cups of the beef mixture to the bowl with spaghetti noodles and toss thoroughly until all the noodles are coated.
7. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.
8. Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the remaining beef mixture (about 1.5 to 2 cups) evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti and beef mixture on top, then spread the cheese mixture evenly over this layer. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture next, and finally top with the rest of the beef mixture.
9. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese and create a bubbly golden crust.
11. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving warm.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly grated mozzarella cheese rather than pre-shredded.
• Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to prevent mushy texture after baking.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef as a lighter option.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before slicing.
• Use low-fat cheeses to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing creaminess.

Keywords: high protein, spaghetti casserole, baked pasta, ground beef recipe, Italian seasoning, healthy casserole, family dinner