A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring lean ground beef, creamy marinara sauce, and your favorite pasta. This recipe is packed with protein and flavor!
Ingredients
Ingredients
1poundlean ground beef
1poundpasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
1tablespoonolive oil
1onion, chopped
2clovesgarlic, minced
24ouncemarinara sauce
1/2cupheavy cream
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheese
1/4cupricotta cheese
2tablespoonschopped fresh basil (optional)
to tasteSalt and pepper
1/2cupbeef broth or pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
1scoopunflavored protein powder (optional, for added protein)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While pasta is cooking, 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 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. If using, stir in protein powder until dissolved.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the sauce is too thick, add beef broth or reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce.