Cheesy • Low-Carb Friendly • 45g+ Protein Per Serving
📝 Quick Description
This Provolone Goodness Bake is a hearty, high-protein skillet casserole made with seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and topped with melty provolone cheese. It tastes like a cheesesteak-meets-pizza bake — but it’s low carb and packed with protein.
Perfect for:
• High-protein dinner
• Meal prep
• Keto-friendly comfort food
• Busy weeknights
⏱ Servings & Timing
- Serves: 4 large portions
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Protein Base
- 1.25 lbs lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
- ½ cup egg whites (boosts protein without fat)
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Veggie Layer
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Layer
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra melt)
- Sprinkle paprika or chili flakes on top
👩🍳 Step-By-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
If using oven-safe skillet, you can bake directly in it.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
In a large skillet:
- Heat olive oil
- Add ground beef
- Cook until browned (6–8 minutes)
- Drain excess fat if needed
Add:
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
Stir well.
3️⃣ Add Protein Boost
Reduce heat.
Mix in:
- Egg whites
- Blended cottage cheese
Stir quickly so egg whites incorporate but don’t scramble.
This step makes it extra juicy and boosts protein.
4️⃣ Add Veggies
Layer sliced bell peppers and onions on top of beef.
You can lightly sauté them first if you prefer softer texture.
5️⃣ Add Cheese & Bake
Top everything with provolone slices.
Sprinkle mozzarella if using.
Bake 12–15 minutes until:
- Cheese fully melted
- Slightly golden and bubbly
Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for crispy top.
💪 Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 servings)
Approximate:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 45–50g
- Carbs: 6–8g
- Fat: 30g
Very low carb.
Very filling.
High muscle-supporting protein.
🔥 Make It Even Higher Protein
- Add ½ scoop unflavored protein powder to beef
- Increase egg whites to ¾ cup
- Use extra lean ground beef
You can push it to 55g protein per serving.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
