🍕 Easy High-Protein Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
🍝 Base:
- 8 oz (225 g) whole-grain or high-protein pasta (like chickpea, lentil, or Barilla Protein+)
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey, chicken, or extra-lean ground beef
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium marinara sauce (no added sugar)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
🧀 Creamy Layer:
- ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt (for protein and creaminess)
- ¼ cup part-skim ricotta or light cream cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍕 Topping:
- ½ cup part-skim mozzarella, shredded
- 10–12 slices turkey pepperoni (or regular, in moderation)
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly oil or spray a 9×9-inch baking dish. - Cook pasta:
- Boil in salted water until al dente (slightly firm).
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meat sauce:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the creamy protein layer:
- In a small bowl, blend cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), ricotta, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add the cooked pasta, then the creamy layer.
- Pour the rest of the meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly, then arrange pepperoni slices.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or oregano before serving.
💪 High-Protein Highlights
- Greek yogurt / cottage cheese → boosts protein & creaminess
- Lean ground turkey or chicken → less saturated fat, more protein
- Whole-grain or legume pasta → fiber + complex carbs
- Cheese in moderation → calcium and satisfying richness
🔥 Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- A few olives for Mediterranean flair
- Sprinkle of chili flakes for heat
Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: ~350–400
- Protein: 35–40g
- Carbs: 25–30g
- Fat: 10–15g
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