Description
This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole combines whole wheat or high-protein spaghetti with lean ground turkey or beef, a flavorful tomato sauce, and a creamy blend of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this hearty casserole offers a balanced mix of protein and taste, perfect for a satisfying main course that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Meat and Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Dollop the cheese mixture on top of the sauce and spread it evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and sauce.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese if preferred for a different creamy texture.
- This casserole is great for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
