Go Back
+ servings
High Protein Spaghetti Casserole

High Protein Spaghetti Casserole for Comforting Family Dinners

Delicious High Protein Spaghetti Casserole loaded with 38 grams of protein per serving, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 12 oz Spaghetti Noodles Use whole wheat or gluten-free options.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Can be replaced with avocado oil.
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative.
  • 2 15 oz cans Tomato Sauce Choose no-sugar-added varieties.
  • 1 15 oz can Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can work too.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Arrowroot powder is a great substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Use homemade seasoning if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Basil Fresh basil is a lovely alternative.
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder Substitute with fresh minced garlic for a bolder taste.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh chopped onions can be used.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce or coconut aminos are good vegetarian options.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Cheesy Layer
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, low-fat, shredded Colby Jack or Pepper Jack can be used.
  • 1 cup Cream Cheese, low fat, softened Greek yogurt can elevate protein content.
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese, low-fat Ricotta cheese is a lovely alternative.
For the Finish
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped For garnish before serving.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Spatula
  • casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned. Break meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir until the beef is well-coated in sauce, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles with 2 cups of the simmered sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the noodles.
  7. In another bowl, blend together the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese until fully incorporated.
  8. Spread half of the remaining sauce on the bottom of the greased dish. Add half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by all of the cheese mixture. Top with the rest of the spaghetti and finish with the remaining sauce.
  9. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, add remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Allow leftovers to cool fully before storing in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!