Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8 portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 22–28 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef (90–95%)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Cheese Layer
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar (reduced-fat works well)
- ½ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth for creaminess)
High-Protein Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (high-protein)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Optional protein boost:
- 2–3 tbsp unflavored whey protein isolate
Topping (Optional but Amazing)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley or Italian herbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes.
- Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Tip: Cooling helps prevent soggy dough.
Make the High-Protein Dough
- In a bowl, combine flour, Greek yogurt, egg, oil, and optional protein powder.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead lightly (30–60 seconds) until smooth.
- Divide dough into two equal portions.
Assemble the Layers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish (8×8 or similar).
- Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom.
- Spread cooked beef evenly on top.
- Spoon blended cottage cheese over beef.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously.
- Flatten remaining dough and place on top, sealing edges.
Bake
- Bake uncovered for 22–28 minutes
- Top should be golden and slightly crisp
- Cheese inside should be fully melted
Optional:
- Brush top with garlic-butter mixture during last 5 minutes.
Rest & Slice
- Let rest 5–10 minutes
- Slice into squares
- Enjoy warm with that gooey cheese pull
Approximate Nutrition (per serving – 1/8 pan)
- Calories: ~380–420
- Protein: 30–38g
- Carbs: ~28–32g
- Fat: ~14–18g
To push protein even higher:
- Use extra-lean beef
- Add protein powder to dough
- Serve with a Greek yogurt dip
Variations
Chicken Version
- Swap beef for ground chicken or turkey
Low-Carb Option
- Use almond flour biscuit dough + extra egg
Spicy Version
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce to beef
Extra Cheesy
- Add a layer of provolone or mozzarella slices
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture
- Freezes well (wrap individual portions)
