(Lasagna-Style Bowl – No Pasta Required)
This dish is thick, layered, cheesy, and extremely filling. It tastes like lasagna in a bowl but is much higher in protein and lower in carbs—perfect for weight loss, muscle building, or meal prep.
🧾 Ingredients (4 servings)
Protein Layer
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90–93%)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Sauce Layer
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (no sugar added)
Creamy High-Protein Base
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg (optional, helps firm layers)
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⏱ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Bake: 25–30 minutes
- Total: ~40 minutes
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Drain excess fat if needed.
2️⃣ Mix the Creamy Protein Base
In a bowl, combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Egg (optional)
Mix until smooth. You can blend for extra creaminess.
3️⃣ Assemble the Layers
In an oven-safe dish or bowl:
- Spread cottage cheese mixture on the bottom
- Add marinara sauce
- Layer seasoned beef
- Repeat once more (if dish allows)
Top with mozzarella + Parmesan.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until:
- Cheese is melted and lightly golden
- Edges are bubbling
Broil 2 minutes for a browned top if desired.
💪 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Protein: 42–48 g
- Calories: ~380–430
- Low carb
- Very filling
🔁 Easy Variations
Extra Protein
- Add ½ cup liquid egg whites to cottage cheese layer
Low-Fat
- Use 96% lean beef
- Reduce cheese by ⅓
Spicy
- Add chili flakes or spicy marinara
Veggie Boost
- Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms between layers
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheats perfectly in microwave or oven
