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A protein-packed and fiber-rich dinner made with lean ground beef, chickpea pasta, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce. This healthy taco pasta is quick to prepare and perfect for family meals or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed if preferred)
  • 1 (8 oz) box chickpea shell pasta (such as Banza)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 packet mild taco seasoning
  • 1 (5.5 oz) container cottage cheese (e.g. Good Culture)
  • ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup 2% milk (such as Fairlife)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Rinse and drain the black beans.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add ground beef and cook for 7-8 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
  4. Stir taco seasoning into the browned beef.
  5. Add fire-roasted diced tomatoes and black beans to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  7. Pour the creamy sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the beef, tomatoes, and beans.
  8. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until well coated and heated through.
  9. Serve warm, optionally topped with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or avocado.

Notes

This dish is versatile with substitutions for ground beef, pasta type, beans, and dairy products., Adding extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, corn, or zucchini enhances nutrition and color., You can make a low-carb version using riced cauliflower instead of pasta., Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months., Reheat gently and add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens., Ensure ground beef is cooked to at least 165°F for safety.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://theproteincook.com/easy-healthy-taco-pasta-high-protein-high-fiber/