Recipe & Photo Credit to Dayami Emory (@dayamifrommiami)

Looking for a dinner recipe that’s indulgent, comforting, and packed with protein? Say hello to the High Protein Queso Pasta Bake! This recipe brings together the silky, cheesy goodness of a Queso sauce, the hearty bite of perfectly cooked pasta, and the flavor-packed punch of seasoned ground beef—all baked to golden perfection.

This recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home! With its high protein content, it’s perfect for fueling your body while satisfying those comfort food cravings. The creamy Queso sauce, combined with tender pasta and savory ground beef, creates a balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress! Grab your apron—it’s time to make magic in the kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Rich in protein: Thanks to the combination of cottage cheese, ground beef, and premium Queso, this dish is not just delicious—it’s also incredibly nutritious.

• Perfectly creamy: The cheesy, dreamy sauce made with Rumiano’s Pepper Jack Queso is unbelievably smooth and perfectly spiced.

• Quick and easy: You can whip up this flavor-packed dish with just 30 minutes of prep time!

• Made with real ingredients: Featuring simple, wholesome ingredients like Rumiano’s Queso and grass-fed ground beef.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this decadent dish to life:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)

• 1 lb. grass-fed ground beef (for that rich and hearty base)

• 1 small onion, diced (for an aromatic foundation) 

• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!) 

• 1 cup Rumiano Organic Pepper Jack Queso (easy, breezy, cheesy base)  

• ½ cup cottage cheese (for extra protein and creaminess) 

• 1 cup Rumiano Organic Shredded Sharp Cheddar (hello, cheesy topping!) 

• ½ cup milk (use as needed for creaminess)

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

• Seasoning: 1 tsp salt & pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder

Pro Tip from Dayami:

While you can create your own cheesy base, using Rumiano’s Pepper Jack Queso makes all the difference. With its clean ingredients and perfectly balanced flavor, it’s a game-changer for this recipe. You can feel good knowing this Queso is sourced from pasture-raised cows and crafted with care.

How to Make Queso Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. You’ll want it nice and hot to crisp up that cheesy topping.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente—it should still have a little bite to it. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of ghee (or any cooking oil you prefer). Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the grass-fed ground beef and cook until browned. 

Season it up! Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper for that irresistible depth of flavor.

Step 4: Make the Queso Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in your superstar ingredient: Rumiano Pepper Jack Queso. Add cottage cheese for extra creaminess and protein, adjusting with a splash of milk until the sauce has a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the Queso sauce, ensuring every single piece is coated in that luscious, cheesy mixture. Trust us, this step smells like heaven!

Step 6: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a medium-sized baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it out evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of paprika for extra flavor and color.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your masterpiece!

Why Rumiano’s Pepper Jack Queso is a Must

At the heart of this recipe is the incredible Rumiano’s Pepper Jack Queso, which elevates the dish with its bold, creamy flavor. Here’s why we love it (and why we know you will, too): 

• Made with quality in mind: Rumiano’s Queso is crafted from organic, Non-GMO ingredients sourced from pasture-raised cows. 

• Award-winning taste: This isn’t just any Queso—it’s a NEXTY Award winner, recognized for its exceptional quality and flavor. 

• Versatile and convenient: Whether you’re making dips, tacos, or this epic pasta bake, Rumiano’s Pepper Jack Queso is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.

A Dish Worth Sharing

This High Protein Queso Pasta Bake isn’t just dinner—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and the joy of cooking. Whether you’re in it for the cozy vibes or the impressive protein boost, this dish will leave you satisfied—and coming back for seconds.

If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to see your creations! Tag @dayamifrommiami and @rumianocheese on Instagram so we can admire (and share!) your pasta bake masterpiece. Don’t forget to follow for more easy, real ingredient recipes delivered fresh to your inbox.

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