Savory Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a protein-packed spaghetti casserole can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Layers of tender noodles intertwine with rich, savory ingredients that promise satisfaction.

Lean meats and hearty cheeses create a wholesome meal packed with nutrients.

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful dish that keeps you feeling full and energized.

Families adore how quickly this casserole comes together, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Simple yet sophisticated, the recipe combines classic flavors with modern nutritional needs.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of taste and health that will leave you craving more.

Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole That Fuels You Right

• Boost Protein Power: Pack a serious nutritional punch with lean ground turkey and protein-rich dairy components like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, making this dish a muscle-friendly meal.
• Simplify Family Dinner: Create a one-dish wonder that satisfies picky eaters and hungry adults, combining familiar pasta and hearty meat sauce into a crowd-pleasing casserole.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground turkey for beef, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, perfect for busy households seeking delicious, stress-free dinner solutions.

Ingredients You Need for Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole

• Ground Turkey or Ground Beef: A lean protein source that adds heartiness and flavor to the casserole.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a rich, tangy base for the meat sauce.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Add heat and seasoning to enhance the overall taste.

• Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: Creates a creamy, protein-rich filling layer.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty taste to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, stretchy topping that browns beautifully.

• Onion, Garlic: Build a flavor foundation for the meat sauce.

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

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and prevent sticking.

How to Cook Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This temperature ensures a perfect golden crust and bubbling goodness.

Step 2: Tame the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti until it reaches tender perfection. Drain completely and set aside, letting it rest while you prepare the other components.

Step 3: Sizzle the Protein

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Drain any extra fat to keep things light and healthy.

Step 4: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.

• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and dance with flavors for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cottage cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Stir until smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Build Your Delicious Layers

• Cooked spaghetti
• Meat sauce
• Cheese mixture

Repeat the layering process for maximum flavor impact.

Step 7: Crown with Cheesy Goodness

Scatter shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a tempting cheesy blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top if desired.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with pure joy.

Pro Tips to Make Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole Perfect

• Use Greek yogurt and cottage cheese to increase protein content without adding heavy cream or excessive calories.
• Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a healthier, lower-fat protein option that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Mix different cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan to create a rich, complex taste profile while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Create even layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture to ensure every bite has balanced ingredients and maximum flavor distribution.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the finished casserole.

Variations to Spice Up Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Replace ground turkey with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a meat-free version packed with nutrients.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add diced bell peppers, kalamata olives, and swap regular tomato sauce with spicy arrabbiata sauce for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, low-carb alternative that maintains the rich, hearty flavor profile.
• Tex-Mex Fusion Casserole: Incorporate taco seasoning, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a southwestern-style protein casserole.

Pairings That Match Well With Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole

• Savor Italian-Inspired Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato sauce and ground meat, cutting through the cheesy layers with its bright acidity.
• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy casserole.
• Fresh Salad Balance: Prepare a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to refresh the palate and provide a lighter counterpoint to the protein-packed casserole.

How to Keep Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole Fresh Longer

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Wrap casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, maintaining moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• What makes this casserole high in protein?

The combination of ground turkey (or beef), cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and three types of cheese creates a protein-rich dish that provides a nutritious and filling meal.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing meals in advance.

Protein-Packed Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savor rich Mediterranean flavors in this protein-packed spaghetti casserole, blending hearty ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy cheese into one comforting dish. Layers of perfectly seasoned ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein Base:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) high-protein spaghetti (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and 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 the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside for layering.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Add ground turkey or beef with diced onions and minced garlic, breaking down the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich brown color and releases its savory essence.
4. Create a robust sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a blend of herbs including oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, intensifying the flavor profile.
5. Craft a creamy filling by blending cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Construct the casserole in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by strategically layering spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Repeat the layering process to create a harmonious composition of flavors and textures.
7. Crown the casserole with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully bubbly.
9. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while the casserole remains piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains high protein content and delivers similar texture and flavor.
• Greek yogurt provides extra protein boost and creates creamier sauce while cutting down on traditional heavy cream calories.
• Consider using whole wheat spaghetti to increase fiber intake and enhance nutritional profile without compromising taste.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which makes meal planning easier and saves cooking time.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg