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the pasta bake resting on a cutting board in the cast iron skillet with a plaid towel next to it

Easy One-Pan Beef Pasta Bake

This one-pan beef pasta bake is creamy, high-protein, and perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, cottage cheese, and marinara, it’s an easy family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: high-protein beef pasta bake
Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz dry pasta
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 2½ cups bone broth or water
  • 1 ½ cups full-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp sea salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Heat butter (or oil) in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir in the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and bone broth. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in the cottage cheese until fully combined and creamy.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top. Broil for 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
  • Stir occasionally while boiling to prevent sticking.
  • Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nourishment.