Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 box (14.5 oz) High-protein pasta (like Barilla Protein+ or Banza)
- 1 jar (24 oz) Marinara sauce (no sugar added preferred)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended for a creamy texture)
- 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup. Place the raw lean ground meat at the bottom of the pot, breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon. If you prefer a finer texture, you can pre-brown the meat in a skillet, but for a true “no prep” experience, lean meat works perfectly fine when cooked directly in the sauce.
- Pour the dry protein pasta directly over the meat. Add the jar of marinara sauce, the beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. This is crucial for ensuring the pasta cooks evenly without becoming crunchy.
- Spoon the cottage cheese into the mixture. If you want a hidden “alfredo-style” creaminess without the extra fat, blend the cottage cheese first until smooth. Stir it into the sauce until well combined. This adds a massive protein punch and a velvety texture that mimics expensive cheeses.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid. Set the temperature to LOW and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours. Check the pasta around the 2.5-hour mark (for low) to ensure it has reached your desired tenderness. Protein pastas can sometimes cook faster or slower than traditional wheat pasta depending on the brand.
- Once the pasta is tender and the meat is fully cooked, stir the pot one last time to break up any remaining meat chunks. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Replace the lid for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately in large bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes.
- Cook Time: 3 hours 5 minutes