Description
A hearty and satisfying Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher for less fat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium is a good choice)
- 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half (for creaminess, adjust to your preference)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, bowtie, or spaghetti all work well)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. 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 and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- 2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10-15 minutes.
- 4. While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
- 5. Drain the cooked pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- 6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: Approximately 550-650
- Sugar: Approximately 5-8g
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg (can vary based on broth and salt usage)
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g