Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein! These High-Protein Cheesy Beef Noodles combine lean ground beef, protein-rich noodles, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and cheddar for a comforting meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Protein: Approximately 40–45 g per serving, depending on the noodles and brands used
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) 93% lean ground beef
- 8 oz (225 g) high-protein noodles
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the seasonings
Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the beef sauce
Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Prepare the creamy cheese mixture
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth. Transfer it to a bowl and stir in the plain Greek yogurt.
Step 6: Add the creamy sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to low. Stir the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt mixture into the beef. Mix gently until the sauce becomes creamy.
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the dairy, as high heat can cause it to separate.
Step 7: Add the noodles and cheddar
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Gradually add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips for the Best Results
- For extra protein: Use high-protein pasta and extra-lean ground beef. You can also add another ½ cup of cottage cheese.
- For a smoother sauce: Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly before adding it.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes, Italian seasoning, or a little Worcestershire sauce.
- For meal prep: Divide into four airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–550 |
| Protein | 40–45 g |
| Total carbohydrates | 30–45 g |
| Fat | 17–23 g |
| Fiber | 3–7 g |
Nutrition is approximate and varies with the type of noodles, cheese, and cottage cheese used.
