Name: High Protein Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz high-protein spaghetti (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat); 1 lb lean ground turkey or lean ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and full of flavor, then High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is exactly what you need in your recipe rotation. This dish is a delicious twist on classic spaghetti, made even better with lean meats, tons of cheese, and a hearty sauce that’s both rich and filling. It’s like your favorite pasta dish, but with a protein boost that’ll leave you feeling full and energized. Plus, it’s the kind of casserole that’s perfect for meal prep—great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Let’s get started on this tasty, protein-packed dish!

Why You’ll Love High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s why this casserole is about to become your new favorite:

Protein-Packed: The addition of lean meats (like turkey or chicken) and lots of cheese makes this casserole high in protein, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.

Comforting and Hearty: It’s everything you love about spaghetti, but baked together with a melty, cheesy top. The perfect cozy meal after a busy day.

Great for Meal Prep: This casserole holds up beautifully in the fridge, so it’s perfect for make-ahead meals. You can even freeze leftovers for a quick dinner later on.

Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to your taste. Want more veggies? Toss them in. Prefer a different meat? Go for it! You can make this recipe your own.

Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak in some extra protein and veggies while still keeping things fun and familiar for picky eaters.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your High Protein Spaghetti Casserole:

Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the base of the dish. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier twist.

Lean Ground Meat (Turkey or Chicken): This is where the protein comes in. Lean turkey or chicken adds tons of flavor and helps make this casserole extra filling.

Marinara Sauce: The rich, tomatoey sauce that ties everything together. Go for a low-sodium version to keep things healthier, or make your own from scratch for a more personal touch.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and smooth, ricotta adds richness to the casserole and complements the pasta perfectly.

Mozzarella Cheese: This melty, gooey cheese adds that perfect layer of cheesy goodness on top.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan brings an extra level of savory flavor to the dish.

Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the casserole its structure.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds an aromatic touch to the dish.

Salt and Pepper: The essentials to bring out the flavors. You can adjust to taste!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this casserole going!

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your casserole the perfect heat to cook through and get that crispy, cheesy top.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, but make sure to undercook it slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

4. Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce with ricotta cheese, eggs, and half of the mozzarella. Add the cooked meat and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole:
In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with half of the meat and sauce mixture. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and the parmesan on top.

6. Bake:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is slightly golden.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400-450 (depending on portion size and exact ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ways to complement it:

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser when paired with pasta dishes.

Steamed Vegetables: Serve it alongside some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrients.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts can add a savory side that pairs beautifully with this dish.

Wine Pairing: If you’re in the mood for wine, a glass of red wine (like a medium-bodied Merlot) would pair nicely with the tomato-based casserole.

Additional Tips

Here are some pro tips to help make your casserole even better:

Substitute with Ground Beef: If you don’t want to use turkey or chicken, you can absolutely go with lean ground beef or even a meatless option like lentils.

Make It Your Own: Add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients. You can even sneak in some chopped carrots or zucchini into the meat sauce.

Leftovers: This casserole stores beautifully! Just refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to get that bubbly, cheesy texture back.

Cheese Lovers: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra mozzarella or sprinkle some feta on top before baking.

Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole gluten-free. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can swap the spaghetti for any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?
A3: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully! Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q4: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A4: Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta. It will give the casserole a slightly different texture, but it still works well.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Use plant-based meat alternatives or just load up on extra veggies for a meatless version of this casserole.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A7: Absolutely! If you prefer a different cheese, try swapping mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a twist on flavor.

Q8: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A8: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables?
A9: Of course! You can mix in spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini into the sauce to bulk up the veggies.

Q10: How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting mushy?
A10: Make sure you slightly undercook the spaghetti when boiling it, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This helps keep the texture perfect!

Conclusion

This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect dish when you want something filling, flavorful, and packed with protein. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty pasta dish, this casserole is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Easy to make, customizable, and full of rich, savory goodness—what’s not to love? Give it a try, and enjoy all the deliciousness it has to offer!