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High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 78 reviews

This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish combining lean ground beef, al dente spaghetti, and a rich tomato-based sauce, layered with a creamy low-fat cheese blend. Perfect for a nutritious family dinner, it offers a balanced meal with a boost of protein while keeping the flavors comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti and Beef

  • 12 oz dry spaghetti noodles (whole wheat or lentil-based for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado/flaxseed oil)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey for leaner option)

Sauce

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce (no-sugar-added)
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp dried basil (or fresh basil)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
  • 1 tsp onion powder (or fresh chopped onions)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce/tamari/coconut aminos for vegetarian)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese, divided (or Colby Jack/Pepper Jack for variation)
  • 1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened (or Greek yogurt to boost protein)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and cook spaghetti: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish with oil. Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente, meaning slightly soft on the outside but still firm on the inside. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Break up the beef with a spatula and brown it evenly, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Make the 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. Mix well to blend all ingredients.
  4. Combine beef and sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
  5. Mix spaghetti with sauce: Transfer 2 cups of the beef and tomato sauce mixture into the bowl with the cooked spaghetti. Toss well until the noodles are thoroughly coated.
  6. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese until well blended.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Spread the remaining beef and sauce mixture on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture over it. Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top, followed by the remaining spaghetti. Next, top with the rest of the beef sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

  • For a higher fiber and gluten-free option, use whole wheat or legume-based pasta.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein choice.
  • Consider homemade or no-sugar-added tomato sauce to control ingredients.
  • Arrowroot powder can replace cornstarch if gluten-free is needed.
  • Fresh garlic and onions can be used instead of powder for a more robust flavor.
  • To make this vegetarian, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use soy or tamari sauce instead of Worcestershire.
  • Greek yogurt can be substituted for cream cheese to increase protein and reduce fat.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack to add a spicy kick.
  • Allowing the sauce to simmer helps deepen flavor and improves texture.

Keywords: high protein spaghetti casserole, healthy spaghetti bake, ground beef casserole, low-fat pasta casserole, easy Italian dinner, baked spaghetti recipe

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