High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

Craving a hearty, filling dish that satisfies your pasta cravings but also gives you a serious protein boost? Look no further than this High Protein Spaghetti Casserole! It’s a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that combines all the cheesy goodness of your favorite spaghetti casserole with the added benefit of extra protein to keep you full and fueled for hours. Think juicy ground turkey or lean beef, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta all baked together in a warm, savory sauce. It’s like your classic spaghetti casserole, but healthier, and just as delicious!

Why You’ll Love High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

Packed with Protein

This casserole is designed to keep you satisfied longer, with a protein-packed combo of lean ground meat and cottage cheese. You’re not just getting your usual pasta here—you’re getting a hearty, nutritious meal that fuels your body.

Comforting and Filling

Spaghetti casserole has that classic comforting vibe, but with a twist. It’s filling, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you want after a long day, and it’s guaranteed to make everyone around the table happy.

Easy to Make

With minimal prep and a short cook time, this casserole comes together easily—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Simply assemble, bake, and you’re done!

Family-Friendly

Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish. The cheesy layers and pasta are always a hit, and the added protein makes it a well-rounded meal the whole family will enjoy.

Versatile

You can switch up the meat or even make it vegetarian with plant-based options. You can also add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to amp up the flavor and nutrients. It’s customizable to fit whatever you’re in the mood for!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this High Protein Spaghetti Casserole.

Spaghetti

The perfect base for this casserole. You can use traditional spaghetti or opt for a high-protein pasta variety if you want to take the protein factor even further.

Ground Turkey or Lean Ground Beef

This is the protein powerhouse of the dish. Ground turkey is lean, but ground beef will give it that classic, savory richness. Choose whichever you prefer, or even mix the two for a balance of flavor and lean protein.

Cottage Cheese

This is your secret weapon for adding extra protein and creaminess. It’s a great substitute for ricotta cheese and adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the meat and sauce.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Because no casserole is complete without cheese! Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives this dish that perfect gooey, cheesy texture we all crave.

Marinara Sauce

The sauce is where all the flavor comes from. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara—either way, it adds that rich, tomatoey depth of flavor to the casserole.

Eggs

Eggs help bind everything together and add extra protein to the mix. They help give the casserole a firm, satisfying texture once it’s baked.

Garlic and Onion Powder

These seasonings bring all the savory goodness. The garlic adds a touch of warmth, while the onion powder adds a mild sweetness to balance the dish.

Fresh Basil or Italian Seasoning

To round out the flavors, fresh basil or Italian seasoning is a must. It adds a fresh, herby taste that’s perfect with the rich pasta and cheese.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this High Protein Spaghetti Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the casserole to bake evenly and gives the cheese time to melt to perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Meat

In a large skillet, cook your ground turkey or lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. If using beef, you can drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.

Step 4: Mix the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground meat, cooked spaghetti, cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. The more cheese, the better, right?

Step 6: Bake

Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the casserole is done, let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Then, scoop out generous portions, top with fresh basil if desired, and serve with a side salad or steamed veggies.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 680mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 32g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is so satisfying on its own, but here are some great side options to complete the meal:

Fresh Salad

Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. A light vinaigrette works well to balance out the flavors.

Garlic Bread

Serve with a side of warm, garlicky bread to soak up any extra sauce. You could also make it low-carb by using a keto-friendly bread alternative.

Roasted Veggies

Roast up some vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots to add some extra nutrients to your meal.

Steamed Vegetables

Simple steamed veggies, like green beans or zucchini, pair wonderfully with this casserole for a light, healthy side dish.

Additional Tips

Use Whole Wheat or High-Protein Pasta

For an even bigger protein boost, you can opt for whole wheat pasta or a high-protein pasta made with chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa. It will give you more fiber and protein without compromising on taste.

Make Ahead

You can prep this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just bake it when you’re ready for dinner. It also makes great leftovers!

Add More Veggies

Sneak in some extra veggies for added nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sautéed and mixed into the casserole for a healthy touch.

Freezing Leftovers

This casserole freezes beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of meat?

A1: Absolutely! Ground chicken, ground beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative will work great in this recipe. Choose your favorite!

Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

A2: Yes! Simply swap the ground meat for a plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or veggie crumbles.

Q3: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A3: Sure! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses—whatever you prefer.

Q4: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

A4: Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole gluten-free. You can find several delicious gluten-free pasta options in most grocery stores.

Q5: How long will leftovers last?

A5: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?

A6: Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Q7: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A7: Yes, you can prepare the casserole the day before, store it in the fridge, and then bake it the next day.

Q8: What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?

A8: Try adding spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and flavor of the casserole.

Q9: Can I use a different type of sauce?

A9: You can definitely experiment with other sauces! Pesto or Alfredo sauce could make for an interesting twist.

Q10: How do I make this casserole spicier?

A10: To add some heat, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños when mixing the casserole ingredients.

Conclusion

This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish everyone will love. It’s packed with protein, cheesy goodness, and all the flavors you crave in a hearty casserole. Enjoy!

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