Print

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is a nutritious and hearty dish combining lean ground beef, spaghetti noodles, and a rich tomato sauce layered with a creamy low-fat cheese blend. Perfect for meal prep or a comforting family dinner, it offers a balanced mix of protein, flavor, and wholesome ingredients baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz dry spaghetti noodles
  • 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 shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 13″x9″ casserole dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
  3. Cook 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. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, and drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  5. Simmer Beef and Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce mixture into the skillet with browned beef. Stir well, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and most water has evaporated without burning.
  6. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add about 2 cups of the beef and sauce mixture to the bowl with the cooked spaghetti. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
  7. Make Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, blend together 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, and cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the remaining beef and sauce mixture (approximately 1.5-2 cups) on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture over the beef, then evenly spread the cheese mixture on top. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture followed by the last of the beef and sauce mixture.
  9. Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  10. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the casserole before serving for a fresh herby finish.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overcook spaghetti; it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If cornstarch is unavailable, use an equal amount of flour as a thickener.
  • Low-fat cheeses help reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • Use fresh basil or dried herbs as per availability, but fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, healthy spaghetti casserole, low-fat spaghetti bake, ground beef casserole

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