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High-Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Meal Prep

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This high-protein creamy beef pasta is a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal prep recipe featuring lean ground beef, a velvety cottage cheese sauce, and protein-packed pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches that stay creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (93% lean or higher; bison or ground turkey also work)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil blend)
  • 1 cup (225g) low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups (60g) baby spinach (optional, stir in at the end)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) frozen peas (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-9 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until starting to brown.
  5. Add diced onion and cook 2-3 more minutes. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until beef is fully cooked and onions are soft, about 2 more minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until completely smooth (about 30-45 seconds). Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes (if using), and blend again.
  7. Reduce skillet heat to low. Add the creamy cottage cheese sauce to the cooked beef mixture. Stir gently and heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and beef is evenly coated. If the sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  8. Fold in cooked pasta and toss everything together. Add baby spinach or peas now if using, and cook 1-2 minutes until wilted and heated through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
  10. For meal prep, cool slightly before portioning into containers. Store sauce and pasta together for best flavor, or separately if you prefer pasta less saucy.

Notes

For the creamiest sauce, blend the cottage cheese thoroughly. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives as needed. Let the dish cool before sealing in containers for meal prep. Add extra veggies or swap proteins for variety. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein, creamy beef pasta, meal prep, quick dinner, healthy pasta, cottage cheese sauce, easy weeknight meal, protein pasta, family friendly, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/high-protein-creamy-beef-pasta-meal-prep-made-easy-best-30-minute-recipe/