Description
This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and delicious comfort meal packed with lean protein and creamy cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole features high-protein pasta and a rich, flavorful sauce. #HighProteinCasserole #HealthyDinner #MealPrep #ComfortFood #ProteinPacked #SpaghettiCasserole
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 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
Sauce:
- 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
Protein Boosters & Toppings:
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey or beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Make the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese (or ricotta), Greek yogurt, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with cheese: Add mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground turkey and low-fat cheese options.
- You can substitute the Greek yogurt with more cottage cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess.
- This casserole is great for meal prepping as it stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg