Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a satisfying and nutritious meal featuring lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made from low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Enhanced with fresh vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and flavor, perfect for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 250 grams whole wheat pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meat and Vegetables
- 500 grams lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Dairy and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup low-fat cream cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in diced red bell pepper and chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine and infuse flavors.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Add low-fat cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts and forms a creamy sauce coating the ingredients.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low sodium beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Dairy: Lower the heat and stir in plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing it to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Meld Flavors: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Lean ground beef keeps the dish high in protein but lower in fat.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference, especially salt levels.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles.
- Greek yogurt helps enrich the sauce while keeping it lighter than heavy cream.
