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To make high-protein beef pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz whole grain pasta (or protein-enriched pasta for an extra boost) - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This set of ingredients is key to creating a rich and filling dish. Whole grain pasta offers fiber and complex carbs. Lean ground beef provides the protein you need for energy. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein. Fresh spinach and tomatoes bring color and nutrients. Garlic and onion boost flavor, while herbs give depth. Olive oil keeps the dish moist, and parsley adds a fresh touch. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal not just tasty but also healthy. You can easily find these items at your local grocery store. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. 2. Add 8 oz of whole grain or protein-enriched pasta. 3. Cook until the pasta is al dente, following package instructions. 4. Drain the pasta and set aside. 1. In a spacious skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. 3. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. 1. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. 2. Cook and stir frequently until the beef is browned. 3. Break up any large chunks with a spatula for even cooking. 1. Stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. 2. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. 1. Lower the heat and fold in 1 cup of cottage cheese. 2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. 3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 1. Carefully combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture in the skillet. 2. Toss everything gently, ensuring the pasta is coated. 3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Cooking pasta right is key for a great dish. You want it firm, or al dente. This means it should be cooked but still have a slight bite. Overcooked pasta gets mushy and loses its shape. To achieve this, check the pasta a minute or two before the package says it’s done. Do not forget to salt the pasta water. This step adds flavor to the pasta itself. Use about one tablespoon of salt for every four quarts of water. The water should taste like the sea. This salt will help enhance the overall flavor of your meal. Using lean ground beef is smart. It gives you protein without too much fat. Lean beef can make your dish healthier while still being tasty. It also helps keep the dish light and satisfying. If you want an even healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives are low in fat and high in protein too. To make your pasta pop, think about spices. Adding dried oregano and basil brings a nice depth to the dish. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra freshness. Cheese is another great way to boost flavor. You can use ricotta, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of parmesan. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add bright colors and nutrients. Always pick the freshest produce you can find for the best taste. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for protein-enriched pasta for an additional boost in protein content, ideal for a post-workout meal. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the dish's flavor profile. Consider adding them as a garnish just before serving for a vibrant touch. Make it Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge. Prepare a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week; just reheat and add a splash of water for creaminess. Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase the nutritional value and add variety to your meal. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute. Many brands now offer tasty options that mimic the flavor and texture of ground beef. You can also add more vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty mix. This adds color and taste while keeping the dish filling. For a gluten-free meal, choose pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. These types are easy to find in stores. Adjust the cooking times as needed. Gluten-free pasta often cooks faster than regular pasta. So, keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness. To make your pasta even more filling, you can add beans or lentils. These ingredients are great sources of protein and fiber. They also add unique flavors and textures. For toppings, consider grated cheese or seeds. Cheese adds creaminess, while seeds give a nice crunch. These additions make your meal even more satisfying. After you finish your meal, let the leftovers cool down. This step is key to keeping the food safe. Once cool, store the pasta in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to leave some space in the top for air. Label the containers with the date. This way, you will know how long they last. When you want to heat your pasta again, use the stove or microwave. Both methods work great. If using the stove, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir it often to heat it evenly. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or a damp paper towel. This helps avoid sogginess. Heat in short bursts, checking it often. To freeze portions, first let the pasta cool completely. Then, divide it into meal-sized servings. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stove or microwave as described above. Enjoy your tasty meal again! This beef pasta is high in protein due to its main ingredients. The lean ground beef offers a strong protein boost. One pound of lean ground beef gives about 80 grams of protein. The cottage cheese adds even more protein, with one cup providing around 28 grams. Whole grain pasta also contributes some protein, with 8 ounces containing about 14 grams. Together, these ingredients create a filling dish that packs a protein punch. You can save time by using pre-chopped vegetables. Look for packages of diced onions and minced garlic at the store. You can also use frozen spinach instead of fresh. It cooks faster and is just as tasty. For the pasta, consider using quick-cooking varieties or even microwaveable options. These shortcuts help you get dinner on the table faster without losing flavor. Yes, you can. If you don’t like cottage cheese, try ricotta or cream cheese. Ricotta has a similar texture and adds a creamy touch. Cream cheese will make the dish richer and thicker. Both options change the flavor a bit, but they still work well. Just remember to mix them in slowly to keep the dish creamy. To serve more people, simply double your recipe. Use 2 pounds of lean ground beef and 16 ounces of pasta. For cheese and vegetables, double those amounts too. If you want to make less, just halve everything. This way, you keep the taste the same. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, as larger portions might need a bit more salt and pepper. This beef pasta dish combines healthy ingredients for a rich flavor. You learned the key steps for cooking pasta, sautéing veggies, and combining flavors. I shared tips for making variations, ensuring perfect texture, and storing leftovers. Remember, you can adjust proteins and make it veggie-friendly. This recipe offers delicious options for everyone. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

High-Protein Beef Pasta

A nutritious and filling pasta dish packed with protein from lean beef and cottage cheese, complemented by fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole grain pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside off the heat.
  • In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion appears translucent and fragrant.
  • Introduce the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently until it's nicely browned and fully cooked through, breaking up any large chunks with a spatula for an even texture.
  • Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the beef mixture in the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Lower the heat and gently fold in the cottage cheese, followed by the dried oregano, dried basil, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
  • Carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated in the rich beef and cheese blend.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve the pasta hot, topped with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

For an extra protein boost, use protein-enriched pasta.
Keyword beef, dinner, healthy, high-protein, pasta