Description
This High Protein Beef Pasta features whole wheat pasta tossed with lean ground beef, fresh spinach, and a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the whole wheat pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Once the beef is browned and seasoned, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and the tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts (if using fresh) or heats through (if using frozen). This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that all the noodles are well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to incorporate it into the dish.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly.
- Serve the high protein beef pasta in bowls, garnishing each serving with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Enjoy your hearty and nutritious meal, packed with protein and flavor!
- If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes