Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs Lean Ground Turkey or Extra Lean Ground Beef
- 2 jars (24 oz each) Marinara Sauce
- 1 box (16 oz) High-Protein Pasta (Chickpea or Protein-fortified)
- 2 cups Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (blended for a creamy texture)
- 2 cups Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Water or Beef Broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by placing your lean ground meat directly into the bottom of the crockpot. If you prefer a finer texture, you can crumble it with a wooden spoon. Pour both jars of marinara sauce over the meat, followed by the water or broth. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these base ingredients together until the meat is well-distributed within the sauce.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to “High” for 3.5 to 4 hours (or “Low” for 7 to 8 hours). About 30 to 45 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in the dry high-protein pasta and the blended cottage cheese. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If the sauce looks too thick, add an additional half-cup of water. This allows the pasta to cook perfectly within the sauce, absorbing all the savory flavors.
- Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Replace the lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious layer. Give the pasta a final gentle stir to incorporate the cheese. Scoop generous portions into deep bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
- Cook Time: 4 hours 5 minutes