This High-Protein Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Pasta Bake is a delicious, hearty, and satisfying meal packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, colorful vegetables, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the perfect combination of comforting flavors and protein-rich ingredients for a filling family dinner.

Start by cooking your pasta until just tender, then drain and set it aside. In a large skillet, sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic until fragrant. Add lean ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper for extra flavor.

Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, and your favorite tomato or marinara sauce. Let everything simmer for a few minutes so the beef and vegetables soak up the rich, savory flavors. Add the cooked pasta and mix well until every bite is coated in the delicious sauce.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and generously cover it with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and a little Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley. This cheesy beef pasta bake is high in protein, packed with vegetables, incredibly comforting, and perfect for meal prep or a wholesome family dinner! ❤️🍝🧀

High-Protein Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Pasta Bake 🍝🧀

This High-Protein Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Pasta Bake is a hearty, comforting meal packed with lean ground beef, tender pasta, colorful vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

🥩 Ingredients

For the pasta bake:

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta — bow ties, penne, or rotini
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside. Avoid overcooking because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Prepare the beef and vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the lean ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Make the sauce:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently mix until the pasta is coated with the beef and vegetable sauce. Stir in the cottage cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess and protein.

5. Assemble:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the Parmesan.

6. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

7. Rest and serve:
Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

💪 Protein Boost

For an even higher-protein version, use lean ground beef, high-protein pasta, and cottage cheese. You can also add extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli without changing the basic recipe.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

🔥 Cheesy, hearty, protein-packed, and loaded with vegetables—this is comfort food you’ll want to make again and again!