High-Protein & Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti

This baked ziti recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of veggies for a hearty and nutritious meal. The combination of lentil or chickpea pasta with organic marinara sauce, bone broth, and cottage cheese (with an option to blend for a ricotta-like texture) makes this dish rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!

Ingredients (For 6 Servings):

• 1 box lentil or chickpea penne (look for organic, one-ingredient pasta; Barilla Protein Plus is a great option)
• 1 jar organic marinara sauce (Muir Glen is a favorite)
• 1 cup bone broth (Bonafide is my go-to)
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (Good Culture is my preferred brand)
  • Tip: If you’re not a fan of the texture, blend the cottage cheese to mimic a ricotta texture. Otherwise, it melts nicely in the dish.
• 1/3 cup organic shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 zucchini, diced small
• 1 carrot, diced small
• 3/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 lb grass-fed ground beef (Force of Nature Ancestral Blend is a great option)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
• Water (for boiling pasta)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lentil or chickpea penne according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef & Veggies:
   While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the grass-fed ground beef and cook until browned. As the beef is cooking, add the diced zucchini, carrot, and mushrooms then sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. For an extra kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   Once the beef and veggies are cooked, add the marinara sauce and bone broth to the skillet. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine and thicken slightly.
4. Mix in Cottage Cheese:
   If you prefer a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese to create a ricotta-like consistency. Otherwise, simply add the cottage cheese directly into the sauce and stir well.
5. Combine the Pasta & Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and veggie mixture.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
   Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this high-protein, veggie-packed baked ziti as a wholesome and filling meal!

Great for Meal Prep!

This baked ziti is not only a delicious dinner option but also perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be easily reheated for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply portion out the servings into individual containers and heat them up when you’re ready to eat!

Macros (Per Serving):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Fat: 20g

This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and protein while still enjoying a classic comfort food dish! Perfect for busy weeks when you need a nutritious and filling meal ready to go.