Quick Description
A bubbling hot dish of ground beef (or turkey), rich tomato sauce, herbs, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a protein-packed family dinner that tastes indulgent but can be keto-friendly.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta (for creaminess & protein)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Add dollops of cottage cheese/ricotta.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Notes
- Use zucchini slices or eggplant for layering if you want a lasagna-style bake.
- Add spinach or kale for extra fiber.
Dietary Info (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 22 g
Ingredient Substitutions
- Meat-free: Use crumbled tofu or lentils instead of meat.
- Dairy-free: Swap cheese for dairy-free mozzarella shreds + cashew cream.
- Extra protein: Mix in cooked chicken breast pieces with the beef.
Variations
- Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning and top with cheddar.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta, and fresh parsley.
- Breakfast Style: Use breakfast sausage + whisked eggs before baking.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Reheat covered in oven or microwave.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add 10 extra minutes).
Q: How do I keep it from being watery?
Simmer meat sauce longer to evaporate liquid before layering.
Q: What can I serve it with?
Great with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Call-to-Action
This cheesy baked meat casserole is everything you love about comfort food — melty, savory, and satisfying — but packed with protein. Try it tonight and watch it disappear from the table!
