Hearty High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Pasta Lovers

My weeknight cooking game changed dramatically with this high protein spaghetti casserole that delivers serious flavor without complicated steps.

Cheese melts perfectly across tender noodles packed with lean muscle-building goodness.

Hearty ingredients combine in one simple dish that feels like comfort food meets nutrition goals.

Busy people need meals that satisfy hunger and support wellness simultaneously.

Quick assembly means you can have dinner ready faster than ordering takeout.

Protein-rich components make this casserole a smart choice for athletes, meal preppers, and anyone wanting balanced nutrition.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that loves your body back.

FAQs

• Is this a healthy recipe?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from ground turkey, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan. The recipe uses lean meat and low-fat dairy, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or beef with ground chicken, lean ground pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives for variety.

• What makes this casserole high in protein?

The protein comes from multiple sources: ground meat (turkey/beef), cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, ensuring a protein-rich meal.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! This casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance. It maintains its flavor and texture when stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

High-Protein Spaghetti That’s Cheesy and Hearty

• Boost Protein Power: Pack a serious protein punch with ground turkey and Greek yogurt, making this casserole a muscle-building meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious dish in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food Remake: Transform traditional spaghetti into a cheesy, hearty casserole that kids and adults will love, sneaking in extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Meal Prep Champion: Easily prepare this casserole ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and bake when ready, offering maximum convenience for hectic schedules and meal planning enthusiasts.

Ingredients for High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

• Ground Turkey, Ground Beef: Lean proteins that add rich, hearty flavor to the casserole. Choose meat with lower fat content for a healthier dish.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that creates a satisfying base for the casserole. Regular or whole wheat varieties work well.

• Cottage Cheese, Ricotta: Creamy, protein-packed cheese that adds moisture and texture. Cottage cheese offers a lighter option.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a golden, stretchy top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a rich, tangy base for the meat sauce. Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best results.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor boosters that add depth to the meat sauce.
• Oregano, Basil: Traditional Italian herbs that complement the tomato sauce.

• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and extra protein to the cheese mixture.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meat and adding a subtle flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready and waiting for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until perfectly al dente.

Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Sizzle the Protein

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Ground turkey or beef
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Cook the mixture until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown, then drain away any extra fat.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and bubble for 10 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Filling

• Cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• Greek yogurt
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and start building your layers:

First layer: Half the spaghetti

Second layer: Half the meat sauce

Third layer: Half the cheese mixture

Repeat these layers one more time.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that’s crispy and inviting.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Get ready for a protein-packed meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer!

Spaghetti Casserole Tips with High Protein Flavor

Choose lean ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version, which keeps the dish high in protein but reduces overall calories.

Drain excess liquid from cottage cheese or use full-fat ricotta to maintain a thick, creamy texture without unnecessary moisture.

Sneak in extra veggies like spinach or zucchini into the cheese mixture for added nutrients without changing the core flavor profile.

Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready – it actually develops deeper flavors when ingredients sit together.

Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, or offer hot sauce on the side for individual spice customization.

Reheat High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Protein Spaghetti Casserole Matches

Pairing Perfection: Elevate Your High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Refreshing white wine cuts through the rich, meaty casserole with bright citrus notes that cleanse the palate.
• Robust Red Zinfandel: Bold red wine matches the hearty protein and tomato sauce, complementing the casserole's deep, savory flavors with its peppery undertones.
• Mediterranean Chopped Salad: Light, zesty salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta provides a fresh contrast to the heavy, protein-packed main dish, balancing the meal's richness.
• Garlic Herb Focaccia: Crusty, herb-infused bread serves as the perfect side to soak up extra sauce and add textural variety to the dining experience.

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Versions

• Vegetarian Protein Powerhouse: Replace ground meat with lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein boost. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauce for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, quinoa, or brown rice. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use full-fat cheeses and add extra protein through additional ground meat or chicken.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Italian-inspired protein spaghetti casserole delivers comfort and nutrition in one delightful dish. Rich layers of noodles, savory meats, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (453.6 g) lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226.8 g) high-protein spaghetti (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
• 1 (28 ounces / 793.8 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces / 425.2 g) can tomato sauce

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Cheese and Dairy 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 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious baking vessel by lightly coating with cooking spray or olive oil, ensuring thorough coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Execute spaghetti preparation according to package guidelines, achieving an al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and set aside in a separate container.
3. In a robust skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce ground protein, diced onions, and minced garlic, sautéing until meat transforms into a rich, caramelized brown. Eliminate any accumulated excess fat.
4. Craft a robust sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs. Infuse with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, developing deep flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and half the Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Construct the casserole in strategic layers: Distribute a base layer of spaghetti, followed by a generous coating of meat sauce, then spread the cheese mixture evenly. Repeat the layering process to create a harmonious composition.
7. Crown the casserole with a lavish topping of mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete surface coverage.
8. Transfer the assembled dish to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, approximately 20-25 minutes.
9. Upon removal, allow the casserole to rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or tofu crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains high protein content.
• Use whole wheat or chickpea spaghetti to boost fiber and protein while adding nutritional variety.
• Greek yogurt provides protein boost and creamy texture without excessive calories, making this dish lighter than traditional recipes.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the protein-packed base consistent.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg