High Protein Beef Pasta

$To make High Protein Beef Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz whole wheat pasta - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a hearty meal that is both filling and nutritious. You can easily modify this recipe to fit your needs: - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if needed. - Beef: Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Cottage cheese: Swap with ricotta or vegan cheese for dairy-free. - Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard work well instead. - Tomatoes: Any fresh vegetable can add flavor, like bell peppers or zucchini. These substitutions keep your dish tasty while meeting your dietary goals. This recipe serves four. Here’s what you get per serving: - Calories: Approximately 400 - Protein: About 30 grams - Fat: Roughly 10 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 50 grams - Fiber: About 7 grams This meal is packed with protein, making it great for muscle repair and energy. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package directions. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a big skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. Next, add 1 lb of lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked. If there’s extra fat, drain it off to keep the dish healthy. Now, it’s time to mix everything! Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of chopped spinach to the beef. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will help the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften. After that, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in 1 cup of cottage cheese. This makes the dish creamy and adds protein. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta on plates and top with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor! To boost protein in your beef pasta, use lean ground beef. This meat has less fat and more protein. You can also add cottage cheese for creaminess and extra protein. Mixing in beans or lentils can help too. These options keep the dish tasty and nutritious. Cook your pasta just right. Use salted water and aim for al dente. This means it should be firm but cooked through. For the beef, brown it well for flavor. Don't rush this step. Add garlic early to infuse its nice aroma. Mix in the spinach last to keep it bright and fresh. Store leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to avoid dryness. If you want to freeze, portion the pasta. Use freezer bags to save space and keep them fresh. Pro Tips Cook the Pasta Al Dente: This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and provides a nice texture in the dish. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for at least 90% lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. Add More Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Customize Your Seasoning: Adjust the Italian seasoning according to your taste; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. {{image_4}} You can enjoy this dish while being gluten-free. Simply swap the whole wheat pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. These alternatives keep the meal tasty and healthy. Just make sure to check the cooking time on the package, as it may differ. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, you can replace the beef with plant-based protein. Try using lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute made from soy. These options add protein and fiber. You can also use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamy texture and added flavor. Adding more vegetables can enhance the nutrition of your dish. Consider mixing in bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. These veggies add color, crunch, and flavor. You can sauté them with garlic and olive oil before adding to the pasta. This keeps your meal fresh and vibrant. You can also toss in some broccoli or peas for a pop of green. Enjoy exploring different combos to keep your meals exciting! To keep your high protein beef pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place a portion in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If you prefer the stovetop, put the pasta in a pan over low heat. Stir often until it’s heated through. If you decide to freeze your beef pasta, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. This helps avoid freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Enjoy your meal without wasting any leftovers! For high protein recipes, I recommend using whole wheat pasta. It has more fiber and protein than regular pasta. Other great options include chickpea or lentil pasta. These types boost the protein content even more. You can also try high-protein egg noodles. They taste great and help you feel full longer. Yes, you can use other types of meat. Ground turkey or chicken works well in this dish. They are lean and still provide good protein. If you want a different flavor, try ground pork. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based meat or mushrooms. Both add a nice texture and flavor. To make this dish lower in calories, reduce the amount of olive oil. You can also use a smaller amount of cottage cheese. Try substituting low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter option. Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk it up. This adds nutrients without many calories. Plus, you’ll enjoy a colorful meal! This blog post covered how to make a high-protein beef pasta dish. We looked at ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips to improve the meal, and variations to suit different diets. I also shared storage info and answered common questions. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. With these tips, you can enjoy a tasty meal that's perfect for your needs. Find the best choices for your diet, and remember, cooking is all about experimentation and enjoyment!$

A nutritious and delicious pasta dish packed with protein from lean beef and cottage cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and Italian seasoning into the beef in the skillet. Let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix everything well together.
Incorporate the cottage cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the cottage cheese until everything is well coated and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the beef pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust seasoning to taste.

Keyword beef, healthy, high protein, pasta