Go Back

High Protein Pizza Casserole - Comfort Food With a Healthy Twist

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Protein: 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken (93%+), or extra-lean ground beef; 8 oz turkey pepperoni or turkey sausage (optional); 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or part-skim ricotta
  • Base: 8 oz high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil) or 4 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
  • Sauce: 2 cups no-sugar-added marinara or pizza sauce
  • Cheese: 1.5–2 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Veggies: 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup red onion, 1/2 cup black olives (sliced), 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
  • Seasoning: 2–3 cloves garlic (minced), 1–2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional), salt and black pepper
  • Extras: Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil; fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the base: If using pasta, boil until just shy of al dente (it will finish in the oven). If using riced cauliflower, sauté in a skillet with a splash of olive oil for 3–4 minutes to steam off extra moisture.
  3. Brown the protein: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks until no pink remains.
  4. Add flavor: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and the mushrooms, peppers, and onion. Sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  5. Sauce it up: Pour in the marinara and simmer 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Fold in spinach until just wilted.
  6. Boost the protein: In a small bowl, whisk cottage cheese or ricotta with 2 tablespoons Parmesan and a pinch of pepper. This creamy layer adds protein and keeps the casserole moist.
  7. Assemble: Spread the pasta or riced cauliflower in the baking dish. Top with the meat-and-sauce mixture. Dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the top and gently swirl it in. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmesan evenly. Add turkey pepperoni and olives if using.
  8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots.
  9. Rest and serve: Let it rest 5–10 minutes so it sets. Garnish with fresh basil. Slice and serve hot.