Description
This Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta is a one-pan wonder filled with tender pasta, rich tomato-beef flavor, and a silky, protein-packed sauce made with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Cheesy, hearty, and ready in under 30 minutes—it’s a perfect weeknight dinner for families or meal prep lovers alike.
Ingredients
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
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (high protein if preferred)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Reduce heat to low. Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and stir gently until creamy. Avoid boiling.
7. In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add to skillet.
8. Fold in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Make sure to reduce the heat before adding Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to avoid curdling.
Add a splash of beef broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
Use high-protein chickpea or lentil pasta for even more nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, high protein pasta, ground beef recipe