This High-Protein Hamburger is the kind of comfort food that fuels your day instead of slowing you down. Juicy lean ground beef, high-protein pasta, and creamy Greek yogurt come together in one skillet to make a hearty and satisfying meal — all with a protein boost that supports muscle recovery and keeps you full for hours. If you love rich, cheesy hamburger pasta but want a lighter, more nourishing version, this recipe is going to be your new weeknight staple.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein, Lower in Fat: Uses lean beef, Greek yogurt, and protein-packed pasta for a balanced meal.
- One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Comforting and Satisfying: Creamy, cheesy, cozy — without feeling heavy.
- Family-Friendly: Familiar flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Simple pantry staples that stretch into a full meal.
This recipe stands out because it adds exceptional creaminess from Greek yogurt rather than heavy cream, keeping it lighter but still indulgent. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition.
Ingredients Needed
Base
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely minced (for sweetness and aroma)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (flavor base + richness)
Protein & Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Liquid & Pasta
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium beef bone broth (adds protein and depth of flavor)
- 8 ounces high-protein elbow pasta (Barilla Protein+ or similar)
Creamy Finish
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (for creaminess & tang)
Garnish (Optional)
- Thinly sliced chives
How to Make High-Protein Hamburger
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. This slow cooking step develops sweetness and depth. Add the tomato paste, stirring to coat the onions, and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly — this caramelization intensifies the flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Simmer
Add the ground beef, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Pour in the beef broth and turn the heat to high. Once it begins to boil, stir in the high-protein pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Remove the skillet from heat. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt. Stir slowly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Top with chives if you’d like a fresh note.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve With: A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or sliced tomatoes for balance.
- Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens during storage.
Helpful Notes
- Use bone broth for extra protein and deeper flavor.
- Let the pasta simmer gently — too high heat may evaporate the broth too quickly.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt off heat to prevent curdling.
- Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor with less cheese needed.
High-Protein Hamburger Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Build the Flavor Base — Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly caramelized for richer flavor.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef and Simmer — Add the ground beef, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta, then reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Make It Creamy — Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt until melted and creamy. Garnish with chives before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
This High-Protein Hamburger brings together everything you love about creamy hamburger pasta while delivering more nourishment and staying power. It’s simple, cozy, and deeply satisfying — perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and a star rating below, and feel free to share your creation on Facebook or Pinterest.
What twist did you add? Extra veggies, different cheese, spicier seasoning? Tell us in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works great. Just increase the seasoning slightly to boost flavor.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta) and check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Why did my sauce separate?
If the Greek yogurt is added while the skillet is still very hot, it can curdle. Always remove the pan from heat first before stirring it in.
Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s best enjoyed fresh because creamy sauces may change texture when frozen. However, you can freeze it if needed — just reheat gently with added broth.