High Protein Beef Pasta Easy
This High Protein Beef Pasta recipe delivers a hearty and satisfying meal that's packed with protein and flavor. Featuring lean ground beef, high-protein pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, it's a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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.
Notes
For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for later use. Experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or toppings to customize the dish to your liking.