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Close up of High Protein Beef Pasta in a white bowl showing the glossy light-orange cheese sauce and browned beef crumbles.
FL Recipes

High Protein Beef Pasta: The Ultimate 30-Minute Macro-Friendly Comfort Meal

A delicious High Protein Beef Pasta featuring al dente penne in a thick, glossy orange cheese sauce. Packed with seared lean ground beef and melted mozzarella, it's the perfect 30-minute macro-friendly dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz Penne Rigate 340g
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef 450g, 90/10 or 93/7
  • 2 cups Sharp Orange Cheddar 225g, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese 60g, shredded or small pearls
  • 2 cups Whole Milk 480ml
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter 30g
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour 16g
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley 15g, finely minced
  • 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper plus more for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet Preferably heavy-bottomed or cast iron for searing.
  • 1 Pasta Pot For boiling penne.
  • 1 Whisk Essential for a smooth cheese sauce.

Method
 

Prepare the Components
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne for 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break into crumbles and cook until a deep mahogany crust forms. Remove beef and set aside.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened.
  2. Reduce heat to low. Stir in orange cheddar until glossy and smooth.
Final Assembly
  1. Fold pasta and beef into the sauce. Add pasta water if needed for glossiness.
  2. Top with mozzarella patches and cover for 60 seconds to melt. Garnish with parsley and cracked pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 38gFat: 28gFiber: 3g

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for the best orange color.
Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is key for texture.
Keyword creamy beef pasta,High Protein Beef Pasta,Macro Friendly Dinner

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