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Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef

A hearty and protein-packed pasta bake combining lean ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

Vegetables and Oils

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Meat

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)

Vegetables

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, ziti)

Canned Goods

  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and Pepper

  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Dairy and Eggs

  • 24 oz low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook ground beef until browned, add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Mix cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley in a bowl. Combine cooked pasta with meat sauce, layer in a baking dish, dollop cottage cheese mixture, then top with mozzarella.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh basil or red pepper flakes to taste.
Keyword Beef, Cottage Cheese, pasta