High Protein Meals with Ground Beef

Ingredients

• •1 lb ground beef
• 🧅1 medium onion, chopped
• 🧄2 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 🧂1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 🧂to taste salt and black pepper
• 🍅15 oz can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• •2 tbsp ketchup (optional)
• •8 oz elbow macaroni, rotini, or shell pasta
• 🥣1 ½ cups beef broth or water
• 🧀2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 🍅as desired sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce (optional toppings)
• 🧅½ cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. 2Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
4. 4Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
5. 5Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup (if using), and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. 6Remove from heat. Stir in cooked pasta and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
7. 7Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese.
8. 8Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If using fried onions, sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes.
9. 9Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Add optional toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or lettuce.