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- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth - Fresh basil leaves - Extra Parmesan cheese This dish uses whole wheat pasta, which adds fiber. Lean ground beef packs in protein, while cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Spinach adds color and nutrients. The olive oil and garlic create a great base for flavor. Italian seasoning gives it a warm, herby touch. The beef broth keeps everything moist. Finally, Parmesan cheese ties it all together with a salty kick. You can top it off with fresh basil or more Parmesan for extra flavor. This meal is not just quick; it’s also colorful and healthy. Enjoy the vibrant mix of flavors and textures! - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add 8 oz of whole wheat pasta. - Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. - Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. - Add 1 lb of lean ground beef and crumble it. - Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. - Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften. - Pour in 1/2 cup of low-sodium beef broth and stir. - Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. - Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. - Avoid overcooking the beef: Cook the beef until it is just browned. This keeps it juicy and tender. If you overcook it, the beef can become tough and dry. Check it often while cooking. - How to achieve a creamy sauce: Reserve some pasta water before draining. This water adds starch and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Stir in the Parmesan cheese after mixing the pasta, beef, and sauce. It creates a smooth and creamy finish. - Multi-tasking tips for efficiency: Start boiling the water for the pasta as you brown the beef. This saves time. While the beef cooks, chop the spinach and tomatoes, so everything is ready to go. - Importance of pasta water for sauce texture: The pasta water is key. It helps thicken the sauce without making it heavy. Add a little at a time until you get your desired consistency. It makes a big difference! - Accompaniments and side dishes: Serve your beef pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed veggies also works well. These add color and nutrition to your meal. - Meal prep ideas for busy nights: This dish is great for meal prep. Cook a large batch and store it in containers. You can easily reheat it for lunch or dinner. Add fresh herbs before serving to brighten the flavors. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the proteins in this dish. Try chicken, turkey, or even plant-based options like lentils or chickpeas. Each choice brings a new taste and texture. You can also switch the pasta. Whole wheat spaghetti or penne works great, but feel free to use gluten-free or chickpea pasta for a twist. Adding vegetables can really boost flavor. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms add color and nutrients. You can also spice it up! Red pepper flakes add heat, while fresh herbs like parsley or thyme bring freshness. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make this dish your own. For those avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great brands available today. If you want a low-carb meal, try spiralized veggies like zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta. These options keep your dish tasty and healthy while fitting your dietary needs. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days for best quality. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for about three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave on low power. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. For best practices when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave. Add a little extra broth to keep the dish fresh and flavorful. Always check the temperature to make sure it is hot throughout before serving. This dish is quick! You need about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, it takes about 30 minutes to get this tasty meal on the table. Yes, you can! This beef pasta keeps well. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just heat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Consider prepping the ingredients, like chopping tomatoes and spinach, the night before. This saves time on busy days. Feel free to get creative! You can swap lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas instead. You can also mix in other veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini. Using different pasta shapes can change the dish too. Try penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if you need it. This blog post covered a quick and healthy recipe for Minute Protein Beef Pasta. You learned about key ingredients like whole wheat pasta and lean ground beef. The step-by-step instructions guide you from cooking the pasta to combining flavors with fresh veggies and seasonings. We shared tips for meal prep and variations to fit your diet. Remember, cooking can be simple and fun. With these ideas, you can make a tasty meal in no time. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite version!

Minute Protein Beef Pasta

Discover the ultimate Minute Protein Beef Pasta recipe that's quick, delicious, and perfect for busy nights! Made with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and spinach, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal the whole family will love! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a delightful twist to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or penne)

1 lb lean ground beef

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

    Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, crumbling it with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

      Add Flavor: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.

          Season: Finish with grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.

            Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4