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Creamy High-Protein Beef Pasta

A quick and filling pasta dish combining ground beef, creamy Greek yogurt, and vegetables for a hearty meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the liquid has evaporated, around 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat and mix in Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mix, tossing until well-coated.
  8. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a kick.
  9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, cover, and let it melt for a couple of minutes.
  10. Serve with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: High-Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pasta, beef, creamy, high-protein, quick dinner, family meal