High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Get ready for your new favorite comfort food: High Protein Spaghetti Casserole packs all the nostalgic coziness of a classic pasta bake, but with the added bonus of a nutritional boost you can feel great about. Think layers of tender whole wheat spaghetti, savory lean ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and a lusciously creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt blend—then baked to golden, bubbling perfection under a cap of gooey mozzarella. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is hyper satisfying, simple to make, and sure to disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into these approachable ingredients! Each one is carefully chosen to add something special—protein, flavor, creaminess, or that irresistible cheesy top—to your High Protein Spaghetti Casserole.
- Whole wheat or high-protein spaghetti (8 ounces): Whole wheat adds fiber and a hearty texture, while high-protein options pack an extra punch for muscle-loving meals.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a touch delivers depth of flavor and helps the onions get perfectly tender and aromatic.
- Lean ground turkey or beef (1 pound): Opt for lean meat to keep things light while providing a major dose of protein and robust flavor.
- Onion, chopped (1 small): This classic base brings subtle sweetness and a touch of crunch.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic adds serious depth and that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): This herb infuses the casserole with classic, earthy fragrance.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just the right amount to make all the savory elements pop.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces; low-sugar or high-protein if available): Smooth, tomatoey goodness that ties the whole dish together.
- Low-fat cottage cheese (1 cup): Secret weapon for creamy texture and extra protein without the heaviness.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): Tangy and thick, it boosts creaminess and protein content.
- Large eggs (2): These help bind the spaghetti mixture and give you the most beautiful sliceable texture.
- Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Melts into a gooey, golden topping everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a nutty sharpness and classic finish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Freshness and a pop of color—perfect for that final flourish.
How to Make High Protein Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven warms up, cook your spaghetti according to package directions just until al dente. Give it a good drain, then set it aside. Al dente pasta holds up best to baking and soaks up all the saucy flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Build Flavor
Heat a large skillet over medium and swirl in the olive oil. Toss in your chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and your choice of ground turkey or beef, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. When it’s nicely browned and cooked through, sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the marinara and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes—this step gives your sauce a chance to meld and deepen in flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Whisk or stir until everything comes together in a rich, creamy blend. This mixture not only boosts the protein content, it’s the secret to a luscious, velvety texture in every bite.
Step 4: Combine with Spaghetti
Take your cooked, slightly cooled spaghetti and add it right into the cheese mixture. Toss it thoroughly so every strand is coated and ready to soak up flavor in the oven. This step ensures that you get creamy, cheesy taste in every bite of your High Protein Spaghetti Casserole!
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Spread half of your spaghetti and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Top with half of your savory meat sauce, then repeat the layers: the rest of the spaghetti mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the last half-cup of mozzarella over the top, covering the casserole generously for that irresistibly gooey finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let everything set. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling and the cheese has melted into a gorgeous, slightly crispy layer. Let your casserole rest for 5-10 minutes when it comes out of the oven—this makes slicing and serving much easier.
How to Serve High Protein Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving adds such a pretty burst of green and offers a welcome hit of brightness to balance all that cheesy richness. For a little extra flair, try a tiny dusting of grated Parmesan on top just as you bring the dish to the table.
Side Dishes
This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole plays so well with simple sides—a crisp mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, some oven-roasted veggies, or even classic garlic bread if you’re feeling indulgent. These sides add color and a little crunch to complement each cheesy forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or looking to impress, cut the casserole into neat squares and arrange them on a platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves. For meal preppers, portion out individual slices into containers with a side of salad—then, enjoy hearty, homemade goodness all week long!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover High Protein Spaghetti Casserole cool fully, then cover your dish (or transfer slices to airtight containers) and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it a dream for lunches and quick dinners.
Freezing
This casserole is a meal-prep superstar. After baking and cooling, cut it into single portions and wrap them tightly, or store the whole baked casserole in a freezer-safe container. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just label and date the container for easy planning.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual pieces in the microwave until hot all the way through, or pop larger portions into a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. The cheesy, creamy texture comes back perfectly, and your kitchen will smell amazing all over again.
FAQs
Is it possible to make High Protein Spaghetti Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground turkey or beef for a plant-based ground or crumbled tofu. You can even add extra beans or sautéed vegetables for plenty of flavor and nutrition.
Can I use gluten-free spaghetti in this recipe?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt for dietary needs.
What’s the best way to meal prep High Protein Spaghetti Casserole?
Prepare and bake the casserole completely, then portion it out into meal prep containers. Store in the fridge or freezer so you have a hearty, balanced lunch or dinner whenever you need it.
Will kids eat this casserole even with the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt?
Most kids won’t even realize it! These ingredients melt into the casserole, making it creamy and rich without any bold flavors. Plus, the familiar taste of spaghetti and mozzarella always wins them over.
How do I add even more vegetables to High Protein Spaghetti Casserole?
Mix in a few handfuls of chopped spinach, shredded zucchini, or finely diced bell peppers right into the meat sauce before layering. They blend in beautifully and pump up the nutrition without changing the comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that works as hard as you do, give this High Protein Spaghetti Casserole a try. It’s delicious, filling, and totally satisfying—a real win for family dinners or simple meal prep. Trust me, once you take your first cheesy forkful, you’ll be excited to add it to your regular rotation!
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High Protein Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This High Protein Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. Packed with lean protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Mixture:
- 8 ounces whole wheat or high-protein spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (low-sugar or high-protein if available)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: In a skillet, cook onion, garlic, and ground turkey or beef. Add oregano, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add cooked spaghetti and mix.
- Assemble casserole: Layer spaghetti mixture and meat sauce in the casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can add chopped spinach or shredded zucchini to the meat sauce for extra fiber and nutrients.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
