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High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious, hearty baked pasta dish packed with lean ground beef, a flavorful tomato sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. Perfect for meal prep or a comforting family dinner, it combines wholesome ingredients for a nutritious low-carb, low-calorie meal that satisfies cravings while supporting healthy eating goals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles (dry)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Meat 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13″x9″ casserole dish by spraying it with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl to set aside.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
  5. Simmer Sauce with Beef: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This will reduce excess water and intensify the flavors.
  6. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add about 2 cups of the beef and sauce mixture into the bowl with the cooked spaghetti. Toss thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly.
  7. Mix Cheeses: In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, the softened cream cheese, and the cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the remaining beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with half of the spaghetti mixture. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture, then top with the remaining beef mixture.
  9. Add Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  10. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil, and serve warm for a satisfying high-protein meal.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef reduces fat content and makes the dish healthier.
  • Simmering the sauce allows excess water to evaporate, ensuring a rich, thick consistency.
  • Be sure not to overcook the spaghetti in boiling water; al dente texture holds up better in the casserole.
  • Low-fat cheeses help to keep the casserole lower in calories without sacrificing creaminess.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein casserole, spaghetti casserole, baked pasta recipe, healthy spaghetti, low fat pasta bake, lean ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/high-protein-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-4/