Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta
This creamy high protein beef pasta is a hearty dish that combines lean ground beef, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (high protein if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture until well combined.
- Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
You can use either Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a creamy texture. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition.