Description
Okay, so you know those nights when you’re STARVING after a workout or just need something that’ll actually fill you up? This is that dish. I started making this when I realized regular pasta left me hungry again in like an hour, and my trainer kept telling me I needed more protein. So I basically threw together everything I had that was high in protein—ground beef, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and regular pasta—and somehow created this creamy, ridiculously satisfying dinner that actually keeps you full. It’s like comfort food that doesn’t make you feel guilty afterward.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta & Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works great—don’t go too lean or it’ll be dry)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells work best—something that holds the sauce)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or that pre-minced stuff from a jar—I won’t judge)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color, but red or yellow are prettier)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (baby bellas if you’re fancy, regular white if you’re not)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best, but 2% is fine too)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small curd, and yes, I know it sounds weird, but trust me)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the shaky can)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth and richness)
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth if that’s what you have)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or make your own with basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, but I like a little kick)
For the Finishing Touches:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (because more cheese = more happiness)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (totally optional but makes it look restaurant-worthy)
- Extra Parmesan for serving