Cravings for a hearty, satisfying, and guilt-free meal? Look no further than this High Protein Beef Pasta, designed to fuel your body and delight your taste buds. Imagine tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful sauce coming together in one amazing dish. Get ready to make a delicious, protein-packed dinner that you’ll want to make again and again – you’ve got this!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce (look for low-sugar options)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces high-protein pasta (such as lentil pasta, chickpea pasta, or whole wheat pasta)
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Ricotta cheese
Let’s Talk Protein, Baby!
Okay, let’s get real about why you’re here: that sweet, sweet protein! This High Protein Beef Pasta isn’t just about tasting good; it’s about fueling your body with the building blocks it needs. I chose lean ground beef because it packs a protein punch without a ton of extra fat. And by opting for high-protein pasta – like the lentil or chickpea varieties – you’re doubling down on the protein boost. Trust me, your muscles (and your taste buds) will thank you. I also recommend trying Creamy Beef Pasta for more delicious options!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started: Prep and Cook the Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Don’t skip this step – nobody likes greasy pasta!
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the Sauce: Building Flavor
- Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth or water, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta: Al Dente Perfection
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook it!
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a creamy sauce.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the beef sauce.
Combine and Serve: Pasta Perfection!
- Toss the pasta and sauce together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. A dollop of ricotta cheese is also a delicious addition!
Making it Your Own: Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Beef Pasta Recipes is how easily you can customize them. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef while it’s cooking. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! For a different twist, check out Beef Pasta for some quick inspiration. And if you’re looking for something with a little kick, you might enjoy Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt.
Tips for the Perfect High Protein Beef Pasta
Alright, let’s talk pro tips to elevate your High Protein Beef Pasta from good to *amazing*. First, don’t skimp on the simmering time for the sauce. The longer it simmers, the richer and more complex the flavors will become. Second, remember to reserve that pasta water! It’s the secret ingredient for creating a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Third, taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. A little extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar can make a big difference. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and toppings. Get creative and make it your own!
Beef Pasta Recipes: Beyond the Basics
High Protein Beef Pasta is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to delicious Beef Pasta Recipes. There’s a whole world of flavors and textures to explore! Consider trying a hearty Beef And Noodles for a comforting classic, or indulge in a creamy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta for a more decadent treat. If you are looking for something to spice things up a bit, you should try Sticky Beef Noodles. Don’t be afraid to branch out and discover your new favorite beef pasta dish!
Quick Weeknight Dinners: A Lifesaver for Busy Bees
Let’s be honest, we all have those nights when we’re short on time and energy. That’s where quick weeknight dinners like this High Protein Beef Pasta come to the rescue. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal effort, and is packed with nutrients to keep you feeling satisfied. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. Make this your go-to recipe for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious and easy meal on the table fast. And who says you can’t make dinner fun? Turn meal prep into Dinner Games with the family to make the whole experience more enjoyable.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Good news: this High Protein Beef Pasta is even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick and easy meal on another busy night. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
So there you have it: a delicious, protein-packed, and easy High Protein Beef Pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do! Now go forth and conquer that kitchen!
What kind of pasta is recommended for a high-protein boost?
The recipe recommends high-protein pasta such as lentil pasta, chickpea pasta, or whole wheat pasta.
Can I customize the High Protein Beef Pasta recipe?
Yes, you can customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also adjust the spice level or substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
How should I store and reheat leftover High Protein Beef Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. You can also freeze individual portions for later.
Why is it important to reserve pasta water?
The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
High Protein Beef Pasta Easy
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Large pot
- Colander
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 90% lean or higher
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces high-protein pasta lentil, chickpea, or whole wheat
- Water for boiling pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh basil, chopped optional
- Ricotta cheese optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth or water, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the beef sauce.
- Toss the pasta and sauce together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. A dollop of ricotta cheese is also a delicious addition.
