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–+ servings
Creamy cottage cheese pasta with pumpkin in a large skillet.
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Cottage Cheese Pasta with Pumpkin

By: Min Kwon | MJ and Hungryman
This creamy cottage cheese with pumpkin combines ground beef, veggies and pasta in a savory sauce for an easy, protein-packed one-pot dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic, can add less
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 16 ounce medium shell pasta or macaroni
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup cottage cheese , can add more

Instructions 

  • Cook the beef - Heat oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the vegetables and seasonings - Stir in the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies.
  • Add liquids and pasta - Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Finish with pumpkin and cottage cheese - Stir in the pumpkin puree and cottage cheese until well combined and creamy. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve and enjoy - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, topped with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

Notes

Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
The pasta will continue absorbing the sauce as it sits, so it will naturally thicken in the refrigerator.
When reheating, add a splash of broth, water, or milk and stir until creamy again. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger amount gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg
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