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- 8 oz whole wheat pasta - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup low-sodium beef broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving I love using whole wheat pasta. It adds fiber and keeps you full longer. Lean ground beef gives the dish a hearty protein boost. The low-sodium beef broth keeps the flavors rich without too much salt. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while fresh spinach brings a pop of color and nutrients. Diced onion and minced garlic form a solid base for the sauce. Dried oregano and basil add depth with their warm, earthy notes. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste; this step makes all the difference. Olive oil helps cook the onions and garlic, lending richness to the dish. Finally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese gives a creamy finish that ties everything together. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty and filling meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion to the skillet. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes until it is soft and clear. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 lb of lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Cook it until the beef is brown and well done. Now, it’s time to mix in the herbs and tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the beef mixture. Stir well. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. Once it simmers, add 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Lastly, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. - Final Steps Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Make sure it heats through. Then, serve hot and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your high protein beef pasta! To make the best beef pasta, cook the pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain it well, but save some pasta water. The starchy water helps the sauce stick better. When you sauté the onion, wait until it becomes soft. This brings out its sweet flavor. Add garlic right after so it cooks without burning. Always break apart the ground beef as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and flavor throughout the dish. To boost protein, use lean ground beef. It has less fat and more protein. You can also add other protein sources. Try mixing in cooked lentils or chickpeas. They blend well and add texture. Another great option is to top your dish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. It not only adds flavor but also packs in extra protein. Preparation can speed up your cooking. Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. You can also use pre-washed spinach. This saves you a few minutes. When cooking, multitask! While the pasta cooks, prepare the beef mixture. This way, you maximize your time. Finally, clean as you go. It makes the kitchen less messy and the cooking process more enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to keep the dish healthy while maximizing protein content. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the perfect texture and better absorption of the flavors in the sauce. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the grated Parmesan cheese; it adds a rich flavor that enhances the overall dish. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different proteins. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste. If you want more flavor, use Italian sausage. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. They will boost the nutrition and add color to your plate. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types, such as rice or quinoa pasta. Just cook it according to the package. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, you can still enjoy a hearty dish without gluten. Want a vegetarian meal? Replace beef with lentils or chickpeas. They are rich in protein and will fill you up. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce. You can still enjoy the same great flavors while keeping it meat-free. After you enjoy your meal, let it cool down. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as pasta can absorb odors. When you are ready to eat again, take the pasta out of the fridge. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help it warm up. Stir until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a bowl, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing is great. Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the taste and texture just right. Whole wheat pasta is great for high protein meals. It has more fiber and protein than regular pasta. Other options include chickpea or lentil pasta. These types pack extra protein, making them perfect for this dish. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and beef mixture separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat them up together. To boost the protein, try adding more lean beef or using ground turkey. You can mix in beans or lentils for extra protein. If you like cheese, sprinkle more Parmesan on top for added protein too. Several side dishes go well with this pasta. A simple green salad with lemon dressing adds freshness. Roasted vegetables can bring more flavor and color to your meal. Garlic bread is also a favorite, perfect for soaking up sauce. In this blog post, we explored the ingredients and steps for a delicious high-protein beef pasta. We covered cooking tips, storage info, and variations to suit your needs. Remember, using fresh ingredients and lean protein makes all the difference. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite veggies or proteins. This dish is not only tasty but also offers great nutrition. Now, get cooking and enjoy a healthy meal you can share!

High Protein Beef Pasta

A nutritious and hearty pasta dish packed with protein from lean beef and whole wheat pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
  • Stir in the oregano and basil, followed by the cherry tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Once simmering, add the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust seasonings to taste.
Keyword beef, healthy, high protein, pasta