A quick and creamy ground beef pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights, designed to support fitness goals with a satisfying, cheesy finish.
Author:Leo
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For meal prep, store cooled pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.