Lazy Girl Healthy Dinner Pt. 2
Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac (High Protein)
I’m all about meals that feel like comfort food without wrecking my hormones or leaving me bloated.
This recipe is high-protein, super satisfying, and made in one pot—aka my kind of lazy girl dinner.
Here’s exactly how I make it:
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 12 ounces Barilla Protein+ pasta
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to high sauté. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in onion and bell pepper. Sauté until tender, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add garlic, paprika, and oregano. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Pour in beef stock, tomato sauce, and pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Secure the lid and seal. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
7. Quick release, then stir in cheddar and cream until melted and creamy.
8. Garnish with parsley (optional) + serve immediately.
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#HighProteinMeals #EasyDinnerRecipe #BalancedMeals #WellnessEats #ThatGirlEats
As a busy bee always on the hunt for delicious yet effortless meals, I've found my ultimate weeknight savior: the Instant Pot! Seriously, it's a game-changer for anyone wanting to whip up a 'girl dinner high protein' meal without the fuss. This High-Protein Cheeseburger Mac isn't just a recipe; it's a lifestyle hack for those evenings when you crave comfort food but also want to stick to your wellness goals. Why am I so passionate about making this an 'instant pot high protein recipe'? Well, getting enough protein is crucial, especially for keeping me feeling full and energized. I've noticed a huge difference in my satiety levels and even my energy throughout the day when my meals are protein-rich. This dish, packed with lean ground beef and clever additions like *protein pasta*, ensures I hit those macros effortlessly. It truly feels like a treat, but it's working for my body, not against it. That's the beauty of 'high protein cheeseburger mac' – it satisfies the craving while nourishing you. When I'm thinking about 'high protein low calorie instant pot recipes', this one is easily adaptable. While the original recipe is fantastic, sometimes I want to make it even lighter. For those times, I might swap the 93% lean ground beef for extra-lean ground turkey or even ground chicken. You can also play around with the cheese – using a reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese or reducing the amount of heavy cream slightly can make a difference. Sometimes, I even blend a little cottage cheese into the sauce for extra protein and creaminess without adding too much fat. It’s all about finding what works for your personal dietary needs without sacrificing that amazing flavor we all love in a classic cheeseburger mac. One of the biggest wins for me with this 'instant pot high protein' creation is the sheer convenience. The Instant Pot means minimal cleanup – hello, one-pot wonder! No more juggling multiple pans after a long day. From browning the beef with onion and bell pepper to building that rich sauce with beef stock and *tomato sauce*, everything happens in one place. The aromatic minced garlic and smoky paprika really tie the 'cheeseburger' flavors together, making it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it was just minutes of active prep time. This makes it the quintessential 'high protein girl dinner' – quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. It's not just a meal; it's a moment of effortless self-care. And trust me, the leftovers are just as good, if not better, making it perfect for meal prepping too!
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