Tag: cottage cheese

Creamy High Protein Cottage Cheese Dip
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This creamy cottage cheese dip is packed with protein and fresh herbs, blending up in minutes into a smooth, party-worthy dip that’s perfect for veggie trays and chips.
Flavor: Smooth and tangy, with savory notes of onion, garlic, and dill, and a subtle ranch-style flavor.

Recommended Tools: A high-powered blender or food processor will help you achieve the smoothest texture.

Swaps: I usually reach for pickle juice when I want a tangy dip that really stands out (especially for chips or sandwiches), and milk when I want a milder, creamier version. Adjust the amount added for a thicker or thinner dip.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a party tray by serving it in dip bowls and pairing it with veggies, tortilla chips, and pita bread. This dip is also great as a sandwich or wrap spread.
Blend-Perfect Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: Use 2% or full-fat cottage cheese and let the cottage cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften for a smoother texture. Opt for small curd cottage cheese for faster blending.
- Spices: Replace onion powder with dried minced onion, which softens as it chills. Or swap garlic powder with fresh garlic, starting small and adjusting after chilling so it doesn’t overpower the dip.
- Herbs: If using dried herbs, add them early to allow enough time for them to soften before serving. Dried dill has a stronger flavor than fresh, so measure carefully! Chop fresh herbs finely so every bite has a balanced flavor.
- Milk or Pickle Juice: Add pickle juice for a tangier dip, milk for a milder flavor. Add slowly until it reaches your desired flavor and consistency.
- Variations: For a ranch-style dip, add black pepper and chives (fresh or dried). For a lemon herb twist, stir in lemon juice and olive oil. Or add some heat with cayenne or jalapenos.
From Curds to Creamy Cottage Cheese Dip
1. Blend the cottage cheese with spices until smooth (full recipe below).
2. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the herbs.
3. Mix in pickle juice or milk if needed, then chill.
Don’t skip the chilling, as it allows the dip to thicken and lets the flavors blend and deepen.
For a creamy dip, blend thoroughly. Blend, scrape the sides, and blend again.

If it’s too salty or tangy, blend in an additional spoonful of cottage cheese to balance the flavor.

For a thicker, spreadable dip, skip the milk and pickle juice and chill longer.

This dip is perfect to make ahead, as it’s best once chilled, and still great the next day.
Leftovers That Stay Creamy

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dip can separate as it sits, so give it a quick stir before serving again. If it feels too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of milk.

It is not recommended to freeze this dip as the texture will change.

Party Dip Lineup

Did you enjoy this Cottage Cheese Dip Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Prep Time 10 minutes

30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Add the cottage cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping the sides as needed.

Transfer to a bowl and stir in the parsley and dill.

If a thinner consistency is desired, blend in a small splash of pickle juice or milk until the dip reaches your preferred texture.

Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Fresh herbs add the brightest flavor, but dried herbs work well and make this dip pantry-friendly.

Pickle juice adds a tangy kick, while milk keeps the flavor mild and creamy.

Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, pita chips, or spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Calories: 41 | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Holly Nilsson

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February 5, 2026
Weekly Meal Plan Sep 29, 2025

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Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan, take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!

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Holly Nilsson

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September 24, 2025
Boost Your Dog’s Health with Natural Probiotics | Animal Wellness Magazine

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Discover the essential role of probiotics in your dog’s diet, and learn how to incorporate natural sources for optimal gut health and overall well-being.

Probiotics are essential for your dog’s gut health, just as they are for humans. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy digestive system, boost the immune response, and can even improve your dog’s overall well-being. Here’s a friendly guide to naturally available probiotics you can easily incorporate into your dog’s diet.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is vital for digestion and overall health. A healthy gut can help prevent issues like diarrhea, gas, and even allergies in dogs.

Natural Sources of Probiotics

Here are several natural, probiotic-rich foods you can safely offer your dog:

Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics. Look for varieties that contain live cultures and avoid those with artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to dogs.

Kefir: This fermented milk drink contains a diverse range of beneficial bacteria. Start with a small amount (about ¼ teaspoon) and gradually increase it based on your dog’s tolerance.

Cottage Cheese: This dairy product is another good source of probiotics. Introduce it slowly to see how your dog reacts, especially if they have dairy sensitivities.

Fermented Fruits and Vegetables: Foods like fermented blueberries or carrots can also provide probiotics. These should be given in moderation to prevent any digestive upset.

Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs

Incorporating probiotics into your dog’s diet can lead to numerous health benefits:

Improved Digestion: Probiotics help break down food more efficiently, leading to better nutrient absorption.

Enhanced Immune System: A balanced gut flora supports a stronger immune response, helping your dog fend off illnesses.

Fewer Digestive Issues: Regularly feeding probiotics can alleviate problems such as diarrhea and gas.

How to Introduce Probiotics

When introducing probiotics into your dog’s diet, it’s essential to start slowly. Begin with small amounts and monitor how your dog reacts. If they tolerate the new food well, you can gradually increase the quantity. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have existing health issues.

Conclusion

Adding natural probiotics to your dog’s diet can significantly enhance their gut health and overall well-being. Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented fruits offer easy and beneficial ways to support your furry friend’s digestive system. Remember to introduce these foods gradually and consult with your vet to ensure they fit well into your dog’s nutritional plan. Happy feeding!

Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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Animal Wellness

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September 30, 2024
Ground Beef Casserole
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This ground beef casserole is both easy and delicious.

Seasoned meat, sauce, noodles, and three kinds of cheese are layered in a casserole dish and baked until bubbly!

It’s perfect to prep ahead, and it reheats and freezes well!
It’s budget-friendly and a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef!

My easy, cheesy recipe has lots of flavor and it’s easy to make.

This ground beef casserole recipe is versatile; add your favorite vegetables or even beans.

Prep ahead and bake before serving. Just like chili or meatloaf, it’s just as good (or even better) the next day!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole

Almost lasagna-like in flavor, this family favorite uses ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Meat: I use lean ground beef, but you can also use Italian sausage or ground turkey.
- Pasta: Choose hearty noodles with twists or ridges to grab the sauce.
- Sauce: Use your fave pasta sauce (I love this brand) with a can of whole tomatoes. You can also use canned diced tomatoes, but I find whole tomatoes have a better consistency.
- Cheese: I combine use cottage cheese and sour cream for a double dose of creamy goodness. Replace the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese. Parmesan and mozzarella add flavor. You can add any cheese blend or even cheddar cheese in place.
Variations
- Add almost any veggie you’d like to the sauce (try zucchini or bell peppers). Add it to the skillet once the meat has browned and cook until tender before adding the sauce ingredients.
- Egg noodles work well in this recipe, too.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

This pasta bake is easy to make.
1. Brown Beef: In a large skillet, brown ground beef, onion, & garlic.
2. Prep Sauce: Add whole tomatoes, pasta sauce, and seasonings and simmer until thickened.
3. Prep Cheese Layer: Combine sour cream, cottage cheese, egg, basil, remaining parsley, and parmesan.
4. Bake: Layer the pasta, cheese mixture, and ground beef mixture in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
Serve this pasta casserole with a big piece of cornbread or crusty bread for sopping up any sauce.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover ground beef casserole covered in the fridge for up to 4 days (if it lasts that long)! Reheat in the microwave (or oven) for meals throughout the week.

Freeze the entire casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above. If the casserole is cold fr the fridge, you may need to add extra cooking time.

More Ground Beef Casserole Recipes

Casseroles are truly the ultimate comfort food and these easy casserole recipes will hit the spot!

Did your family love this Ground Beef Casserole? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
4.98 from 34 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Ground Beef Casserole

This homemade casserole is loaded with ground beef, pasta, and 3 different kinds of cheese in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

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Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a large deeps skillet until no pink remains. Drain fat.

Break up the canned tomatoes with your hands. Add (including the juices) to the ground beef along with pasta sauce, sugar, and Italian seasoning.

Simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in half of the parsley, taste, and season with salt & pepper.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain, do not rinse.

Mix sour cream, cottage cheese, egg, basil, remaining parsley, and grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Add a thin layer of sauce to the bottom of a 9×13 pan.

Layer half of the pasta, top with all sour cream mixture, the remaining pasta and the meat sauce.

Top with mozzarella cheese and cover.

Bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Keep leftover ground beef casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Calories: 419 | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 672mg | Potassium: 750mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 758IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Casserole, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Holly Nilsson

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August 29, 2024
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a budget-friendly casserole that’s easy to make.

Layers of spaghetti and cheese are smothered in a savory beefy sauce and baked until brown and bubbly.

Casseroles are an easy way to feed a hungry family!
- Million Dollar Spaghetti is a combination of baked spaghetti and lasagna.
- It’s is a large and hearty casserole that reheats and freezes well for future meals.
- While the ingredients are simple this meal is delicious, everyone raves about it.
Ingredients in Million Dollar Spaghetti

Meat: I like using Italian sausage as it has lots of flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute ground beef or ground turkey. If substituting the sausage, I would recommend adding extra seasoning to the sauce.

Sauce: This recipe uses pasta sauce as the base to keep it quick and easy. You can use homemade marinara sauce or your favorite jar of sauce. Feel free to stir in fresh herbs if you’d like!

Cheese: The cheese layer is made with either cottage cheese or ricotta cheese. I prefer cottage cheese because I think it adds so much creaminess to the recipe.

Pasta: We most often make this with spaghetti but other types of pasta can be used. Try ziti or rigatoni noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Million dollar spaghetti is a hearty casserole that is a complete meal on its own. You can pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad if you’d like.

Leftovers and Prep Ahead

The leftovers of this casserole reheat well! The pasta softens up a bit when reheating, but the flavor is just as good as when it was fresh out of the oven.

Prep Ahead: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. Remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking and add an additional 15 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing: To freeze the casserole, wrap it in plastic wrap first, then aluminum foil. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

More Favorite Spaghetti Recipes

Did your family love this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
4.94 from 655 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Loaded with layers of spaghetti, cheese, zesty sauce, and Italian sausage, this is an easy hearty casserole that’s budget-friendly and perfect for a crowd.

Prep Time 40 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain well and return the pasta to the original pot. Add 24 oz of prepared spaghetti sauce and toss to combine. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add sausage and 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning to skillet, and cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Add the remaining 24 oz of spaghetti sauce to skillet. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Place half the slices of butter (if using) in a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti in the dish, then top with the cheese mixture. Spread the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture. Top with the remaining butter slices (if using). Pour tomato meat sauce evenly over top.

Top with remaining mozzarella and bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the casserole is heated through, about 35-45 minutes.

Rest 15 minutes before serving.

If replacing the sausage for ground beef or turkey, add additional seasoning to the sauce. For a little kick, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
This casserole can be prepared 24 hours in advance. If made ahead of time, let set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking. Add 15 minutes to the baking time.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Calories: 583 | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 209mg | Iron: 1.7mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Casserole, Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Kathleen

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April 14, 2024