High-Protein Pasta with Lean Ground Beef: A Delicious, Filling Meal
5-Day Meal Prep
If you're looking for a high-protein pasta dish that’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to keep you full, this recipe is for you! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a hearty dinner to fuel your workouts, this High-Protein Pasta with Lean Ground Beef is a winner. Featuring lean ground beef, Banza pasta (a high-protein chickpea pasta), and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish provides the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
It’s a simple recipe that can be made in about 30 minutes, yet it feels indulgent and comforting—perfect for both busy weeknights and planned meal prep. With a solid amount of protein in every serving, this pasta will help you stay full and energized while meeting your nutrition goals. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Macros per Serving (Approx.)
For 4 servings:
Calories: 460
Protein: 45g
Fat: 14.5g
Carbs: 38.5g
For 3 servings:
Calories: 614
Protein: 60g
Fat: 19g
Carbs: 51g
Ingredients (Serves 3-4)
1 box Banza Pasta (3.5 oz) – Banza pasta is made from chickpeas, making it a higher-protein alternative to traditional pasta, and it's packed with fiber.
1 lb Lean Ground Beef – A great source of protein and iron while keeping fat content lower than fattier cuts.
2 Roma Tomatoes, diced – Fresh tomatoes add brightness and natural sweetness to balance the savory beef.
3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced – Garlic provides aromatic depth and umami flavor that enhances the entire dish.
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced – Adds crunch and sweetness, along with a healthy dose of vitamins.
3 oz Light Cream Cheese – This creates a creamy base for the sauce without all the extra fat of traditional cream cheese.
Seasonings:
1/2 tsp Salt (or more to taste) – Enhances all the flavors of the dish. Add more as needed.
1/2 tsp Black Pepper – A subtle spice to balance out the richness of the beef and cream cheese.
1 tsp Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that screams “Italian comfort food.”
1 tsp Paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and depth to the sauce.
1 tsp Garlic Powder – Extra garlic flavor to complement the fresh minced garlic.
1 tsp Onion Powder – A hint of sweetness and savory flavor.
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the Banza pasta and cook according to package instructions (typically 7-9 minutes). Banza pasta cooks faster than traditional pasta, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season the beef with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté the Veggies
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant. Add to a blender after its cooked.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the 3 oz of light cream cheese to the blender (with the sauté veggies) and add 1/2 cup of water. The cream cheese will thicken the sauce and make it velvety smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is smooth and well-combined, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce and beef.
6. Serve
Once everything is combined, taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Divide the pasta into 3-4 servings and serve immediately.
Meal Prep Safety Tips
Cool Before Storing: Allow the pasta to cool slightly before storing it in meal prep containers. This helps to avoid condensation inside the containers, which could make your pasta soggy.
Store Properly: Store your high-protein pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the leftovers, make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat Safely: When reheating, warm your pasta in the microwave or on the stove. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring the sauce back to life and prevent it from drying out.
Avoid Overcooking: When cooking the beef, make sure not to overcook it, as lean ground beef can dry out quickly. Stir frequently and cook just until browned.
Additional Notes:
Banza Pasta: If you’re not familiar with Banza pasta, it's made from chickpeas, offering more protein and fiber than traditional pasta. It’s a great gluten-free option too. If you can’t find Banza, any high-protein pasta made from chickpeas or lentils will work just as well.
Ground Beef Alternatives: If you prefer, you can swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner protein option. You could also use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Cream Cheese: Light cream cheese helps keep the dish creamy while cutting down on the fat content. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or use full-fat cream cheese for a richer taste.
Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies to the mix! You could add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the nutrient content and add more color to your plate.
Cheese Topping: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella on top when serving. It will melt beautifully and add a nice finishing touch.
Final Thoughts:
This High-Protein Pasta with Lean Ground Beef is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to up their protein intake without sacrificing flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, lean beef, and high-protein pasta creates a meal that’s both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a simple dinner that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, this recipe has got you covered. Enjoy!