Save This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is a game-changer for anyone seeking a comforting yet nutritious dinner. By blending cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, we create a rich, creamy sauce that packs a significant protein punch without the heavy calories of a traditional Béchamel. Featuring whole wheat penne and lean beef, this dish is a balanced power meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Save The secret to this bake is the protein-rich cheese mixture that mimics the richness of ricotta but with a much higher protein profile. Combined with a savory marinara and perfectly seasoned lean beef, it offers all the satisfaction of a traditional Italian pasta bake with a modern, healthy twist.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Cheese
- 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
- Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Garnish
- 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 extra flavor, stir some chopped spinach or roasted vegetables into the beef mixture. Blending the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth ensures a silky texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if desired. To make a lighter version, feel free to use reduced-fat cheeses throughout the recipe.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of toasted garlic bread. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Save Enjoy this high-protein, comforting pasta bake as a nutritious dinner solution that doesn't compromise on flavor. It's a satisfying way to hit your protein goals while enjoying a classic family favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What pasta works best?
Whole wheat penne holds up well to baking, but regular penne, rigatoni, or ziti also work. Short pasta with ridges captures the sauce and cheese mixture beautifully.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until warmed through.
- → Is cottage cheese visible in the finished dish?
Blending cottage cheese with Greek yogurt creates a smooth, creamy texture that melts into the pasta. You won't see distinct cottage cheese curds in the final bake.
- → What sides pair well?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli also complement this hearty main dish.