Save This Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef is a revolutionary take on the classic baked ziti. By replacing heavy creams with a high-protein blend of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, you get a rich, velvety texture that supports your fitness goals. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this meal delivers 35g of protein per serving and will quickly become a family favorite.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the layering process. The whole wheat penne provides a robust base that holds up to the hearty beef marinara, while the blended cheese topping melts into a golden crust that is absolutely irresistible.
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
Be sure to drain the beef thoroughly to ensure the pasta bake doesn't become greasy. Using an instant-read thermometer helps guarantee the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra nutritional boost, stir in some chopped spinach or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you prefer a lighter profile, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, and use reduced-fat cheeses.
Serviervorschläge
This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. Any leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep lunches.
Save Enjoy this nutritious and savory Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef. It's the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for Italian-American comfort food while hitting your daily protein targets.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, rotini, ziti, or macaroni work well in this dish. Whole wheat varieties provide extra fiber and nutrients, though regular pasta can be substituted if preferred.
- → What makes this high in protein?
The combination of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, and lean ground beef contributes to the impressive 35g protein per serving. These ingredients provide complete proteins essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold. Leftovers also reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
The dish is ready when the cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges, typically 20-25 minutes at 375°F. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set for cleaner slices.
- → Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. For already-baked portions, wrap individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months.
- → What can I serve with this?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli also make excellent sides. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions with a substantial salad.