Banza Protein Lasagna

I love this recipe.  It's easy and packed full of protein. It makes a great freezer meal and leftovers taste even better. Nutrition information included below.

16 oz (1 box) Banza penne

1 lb 85% lean ground beef

16 oz 4% cottage cheese

8 oz Neufchâtel cream cheese

24 oz jarred spaghetti sauce (I used Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic)

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack

1 large yellow onion

1 large green bell pepper

Directions:

Boil the Banza pasta until just al dente, about 6 min. Drain.

While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and green pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.

Stir in the Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic Marinara and simmer for 5 minutes.

In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese and Neufchâtel cream cheese until well combined.

Layer half the cooked pasta into the meat sauce.

Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.

Add the remaining pasta mixture.

Top with the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses.

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving

If you divide a large 9x13 pan into 9 large servings,  this is the nutrition information:

Calories ~450 kcal

Protein ~32 g

Carbohydrates ~27 g

Fiber ~7 g

Net Carbs ~20 g

Fat ~23 g