High Protein Beef Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This high protein beef pasta is a hearty and healthy meal perfect for any weeknight dinner. Packed with lean ground beef, flavorful herbs, and optional veggies, it combines nutrition with comforting taste in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta of your choice (whole wheat or lentil pasta recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Add oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
7. Step 7: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente.
8. Step 8: Drain pasta well.
9. Step 9: Stir frozen peas into the sauce if using, and cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
10. Step 10: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole wheat or lentil pasta for added fiber and protein.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrition.
• Simmer the sauce longer to deepen the flavors, up to an hour if time allows.
• For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much when stored.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Cool the pasta and sauce completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

High Protein Beef Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

This High Protein Beef Pasta recipe combines lean ground beef with a rich tomato-based sauce and pasta, making it a delicious and healthy meal option packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this dish features wholesome ingredients like whole wheat or lentil pasta, fresh herbs, and optional peas for added nutrition.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Tomato Sauce

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pasta & Cheese

• 1 pound pasta of your choice (whole wheat or lentil pasta recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned evenly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Then drain any excess grease from the pot.
2. Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes to release its sweetness and flavors.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
5. Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing everything together.
6. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick, cooking longer for a richer, more developed flavor.
7. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
8. Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta well and set aside.
9. Add Peas: Stir the frozen peas into the simmering sauce, cooking for a few more minutes until heated through.
10. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce and peas. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
11. Serve: Plate the pasta and sauce mixture immediately. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Notes

• For a healthier option, use whole wheat or lentil pasta to increase fiber and protein.
• You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance or omit for a milder dish.
• Adding peas is optional but adds color, texture, and additional nutrients.
• Simmering the sauce longer will deepen the flavors, so consider extending the simmer time if you have more time.

Keywords: high protein pasta, beef pasta recipe, healthy pasta dinner, lean ground beef recipe, tomato beef pasta, easy dinner recipes