High Protein Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Fuel your day with this comforting and satisfying High Protein Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese—a hearty, oven-baked dish that combines tender whole wheat pasta, a robust meat sauce made with lean ground beef and fragrant spices, and a golden layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent. The dish features a zesty tomato base, enhanced by garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, and is finished with a fresh sprinkle of parsley for a burst of freshness. Ready in just an hour, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with wholesome ingredients. Don't forget to pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta and half of the parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring well to combine.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1986.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2175.5

Total Fat 102.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 399.0mg	0%
Sodium 3885.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.0g	0%
Total Sugars 39.7g
Protein 165.4g	0%

Vitamin D 18.1IU	0%
Calcium 1509.4mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 3040.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 29.8%

Carbs: 28.8%