High Protein Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Satisfy your cravings with this hearty and delicious High Protein Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese—perfect for a family dinner or meal prep! This recipe combines wholesome whole wheat pasta with a robust, savory meat sauce made from lean ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. Topped with a luscious layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, it’s baked to perfection for a comforting casserole-style finish. Packed with protein and layered with bold, Italian-inspired flavors, this dish not only fuels your body but also delivers on taste. Easy to prep in just an hour, it’s a perfect go-to for busy weeknights. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red chili flakes
- 0.5 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta and half of the parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2176 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.1 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.2 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 399 mg | 133% | |
| Sodium | 3885 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 159.7 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.0 g | 107% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.7 g | ||
| Protein | 165.4 g | 331% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 1509 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 23.4 mg | 130% | |
| Potassium | 3040 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
