Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Bake with Ground Beef
A warm and comforting pasta bake filled with lean ground beef, layers of whole wheat penne, and a creamy cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta Cooked al dente
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher) Browned with onion and garlic
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the whole wheat penne pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain thoroughly and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for texture adjustments if needed.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until beef reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In your large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta first.
- Evenly distribute the beef mixture, and top with marinara sauce. Mix gently to combine.
- Dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and spread evenly with a spatula. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, covering completely.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and optimal texture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
This pasta bake is great on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil can enhance flavors, too. To store leftovers, allow the pasta bake to cool completely before covering it tightly. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual portions in plastic and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.