When the day drags on and your energy dips, sometimes dinner needs to do more than just fill the plate. This high protein beef pasta steps up—not just a meal, but a boost. It’s the kind of dinner that sticks with you, the warmth of tomato sauce mingling with the satisfying chew of whole wheat penne and the meaty goodness of lean ground beef. It’s simple, approachable, and just the kind of comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy or overdone.
One evening, I remember coming home after a day that felt longer than usual. I was halfway through unpacking groceries when the smell of garlic and onion sizzling caught me off guard. The sauce was bubbling gently on the stove, and I kept glancing at the clock, hoping the pasta would cook just a little faster. I wasn’t in a rush, exactly—more like impatient for the kind of meal that makes you pause, slow down, and just enjoy what’s in front of you. The sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving was the final touch, a little messy with cheese dusting the counter, but honestly, it made it feel more like home.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hearty and filling without feeling heavy, thanks to lean beef and whole wheat pasta.
- Simple ingredients, but the flavor really builds as the sauce simmers—no fancy techniques required.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes you just want dinner to be straightforward and satisfying.
- Prepares quickly enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a relaxed weekend meal.
If you’re new to cooking with whole wheat pasta or lean ground beef, this recipe is forgiving and flexible — I usually find it hard to mess up, even when distracted by a phone call or a curious pet wandering in the kitchen.
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High Protein Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A hearty and nutritious high protein beef pasta meal packed with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss gently to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Toss lightly to distribute.
Serve immediately while hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes
Nothing fancy needed here—just a sturdy skillet and a pot for the pasta. I like to serve this with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to add some brightness on the side. Sometimes I swap out the penne for rigatoni or even fusilli, depending on what’s in the pantry, and it works just fine. If you want a little extra kick, tossing in a handful of red pepper flakes early on is my go-to, but I haven’t tried doubling the spice without it becoming overwhelming. Also, a few fresh basil leaves stirred in at the end can change things up in a nice way.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it stores well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. What about freezing? I haven’t tried freezing it, but the texture might change due to the pasta.
Tiny outro CTA
Give this high protein beef pasta a try next time you need a meal that feels like a little extra kindness on your plate. Don’t forget to save or print the recipe for your next busy evening.