Lazy Protein Lasagna

We’re finally back in the kitchen! Now that my bodybuilding prep has wrapped up, I’ve got a bit more flexibility to experiment with new recipes and I’ve been looking forward to this one. 

Life is still incredibly busy but rebuilding the muscle I lost during prep means staying consistent with my protein intake. Today’s recipe is a lazy lasagna meal prep that’s high in protein, nutrient-dense, and low effort. Perfect for a full work week of meals. Whether you’re in a growth phase or just looking for a comforting, simple dish, this one checks all the boxes. 

Beyond the protein, this meal also delivers micronutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and zinc. This means supporting everything from immune function to energy metabolism and bone health. 

One thing to note: the cheese and jarred pasta sauce do contribute a significant amount of sodium, which is something to be mindful of if you're watching your intake. Opting for a reduced-sodium sauce or adjusting portion sizes can help balance that out while keeping the flavor and convenience intact. 

Ingredients (makes 5 servings) 

1. 120 g dry (275 g cooked) “No Yolks” egg noodles 

2. 3 handfuls of spinach 

3. 454 g (1 lb) extra lean ground beef 

4. 600 ml (1 jar) pasta sauce 

5. 200 g ricotta cheese 

6. 200 g 2% M.F. cottage cheese 

7. 170 g light or part-skim mozzarella 

8. 50 g Parmesan cheese 

9. 1.5 tbsp garlic powder 

10. 2 tbsp Italian seasoning blend 

Steps 

1. Boil the Noodles 
   Start by cooking your egg noodles according to the package instructions. If you're looking to boost your fiber intake, consider using a high-fiber pasta alternative. It’s a great shelf-stable way to support gut health, especially since the average Canadian doesn’t meet their daily fiber needs. (read more)

2. Cook Your Protein 
   While the noodles are cooking, brown 1 lb of extra lean ground beef (or your preferred protein source). Once cooked through, set it aside. 

3. Add the Spinach 
   When the noodles are nearly done, blanch a few handfuls of spinach in the pasta water. It’s a simple way to sneak in some greens. 

4. Assemble the Dish 
   In a large baking dish, combine: 

5. Cooked noodles, ground beef, blanched spinach, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, pasta sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning 

6. Top It Off 
   Sprinkle with 50g of Parmesan and a handful of Italian breadcrumbs, if desired. 

7. Finish Under the Broiler 
   Everything is already cooked, so all you need is about 15 minutes under the broiler. Just enough to melt the cheese and crisp up the top. 

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving) 

Energy: 560 kcal 

Protein: 50 g 

Carbohydrate: 42 g 

Fat: 20 g