Description
BBQ Beef Protein Mac is a high-protein comfort food dish featuring lean ground beef, protein-rich pasta, smoky barbecue sauce, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz high-protein elbow pasta or chickpea pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and barbecue sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Pour the cheese mixture into the skillet and cook over low heat until creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a smoky barbecue sauce for the best flavor.
- Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep and reheats well.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American