Print

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/high-protein-spaghetti-casserole-recipe/