Description
This High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that balances lean ground beef with whole wheat pasta and a rich, creamy sauce made from low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Enhanced with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, it offers a wholesome and satisfying dish perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250 grams of whole wheat pasta
Beef and Vegetables
- 500 grams of lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Broth
- 1 cup low-fat cream cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside until needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook it thoroughly until browned, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks evenly throughout.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and blended well with the beef.
- Season: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices for balanced flavor.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Add the low-fat cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts, forming a smooth and creamy sauce enveloping the beef mixture.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low sodium beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Yogurt and Cheese: Lower the heat, then stir in the plain Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy consistency without curdling.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it so that the creamy beef sauce coats the pasta evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Final Cooking: Let the pasta and sauce cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through completely.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in fat but still high in protein.
- Whole wheat pasta adds additional fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on dietary preferences.
- To avoid curdling, stir in Greek yogurt on low heat and avoid boiling after adding it.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds freshness and color but is optional.
