High protein slow cooker beef pasta recipe
Looking for an easy high protein slow cooker pasta recipe that the whole family will love?
This slow cooker beef pasta combines lean beef mince, tomatoes, vegetables, cottage cheese and mozzarella to create a healthy, comforting dinner packed with protein and flavour. And this comes directly from the Zing Wellbeing app
With 30g of protein per serve, this healthy slow cooker pasta recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or anyone wanting a satisfying high protein dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Why you'll love this high protein slow cooker pasta
- 30g of protein per serve
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
- Easy set-and-forget slow cooker meal
- Packed with vegetables and fibre
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Comfort food with a healthier twist
If you're searching for healthy slow cooker beef mince recipes or high protein pasta recipes, this one ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients
For the slow cooker beef sauce
- 500g beef mince
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp mixed Italian herbs
- 50ml beef stock
- 400g chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
To finish
- 200g wholemeal pasta, cooked
- 50g grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cottage cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Method
Step 1
Add the beef mince, onion, garlic, carrot, bay leaves, Italian herbs, beef stock, chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to your slow cooker.
Step 2
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours until the beef is tender and the flavours have developed.
Step 3
Stir through the cooked pasta until well combined.
Step 4
Dollop over the cottage cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Step 5
Place the slow cooker insert under a hot grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 6
Top with fresh basil and serve.
Nutrition per serve
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 22g
- Fibre: 6g
Why this is a healthy high protein pasta recipe
Beef mince provides quality protein
Lean beef mince is naturally rich in protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. These nutrients support muscle maintenance, energy production and healthy red blood cells.
Cottage cheese boosts protein naturally
Adding cottage cheese is a simple way to increase protein without significantly increasing calories. It also creates a creamy texture that makes this pasta dish extra satisfying.
Wholemeal pasta contains more fibre
Wholemeal pasta provides additional fibre compared with regular white pasta, helping to support digestive health and keep you fuller for longer.
Tomatoes support overall health
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and protection against cellular damage.
Garlic and onion feed your gut bacteria
Both garlic and onion contain prebiotic fibres that help nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive health.
Tips for making this slow cooker pasta even higher in protein
Want to increase the protein content even further?
- Add an extra ½ cup cottage cheese
- Use a high protein pasta made from chickpeas or legumes
- Stir through grated parmesan before serving
- Add extra lean beef mince
Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze slow cooker beef pasta?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
What pasta works best?
Wholemeal pasta, protein pasta, chickpea pasta or your favourite pasta variety all work well.
This high protein slow cooker beef pasta recipe is the perfect combination of comfort food and nutrition. Packed with protein, vegetables and rich Italian flavours, it's an easy family dinner that can help support healthy eating goals without sacrificing taste.
If you love healthy high protein recipes, members inside the Zing Wellbeing app can access thousands of nutritious recipes, personalised meal plans, fitness programs and expert support designed specifically for women.
You can join the Zing Wellbeing app here
