High-Protein Italian Ground Beef Pasta

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the ingredients: chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, lightly smash and peel the garlic clove, then chop finely, and freshly grate Parmesan cheese using a box grater.
   ▶ ≈0:46
2. 2
   Bring salted water in a half-filled pot to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook. Two minutes before reaching al dente per package instructions, add the broccoli and cook for 1 additional minute. Reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the rest.
   ▶ ≈1:20
3. 3
   Heat a skillet over medium heat with 4g of olive oil. Add the ground beef and leave untouched for about 1 minute to develop a crust. Flip and break it up while cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Continue stirring until the beef is fully cooked through (another 1–2 minutes).
   ▶ ≈2:51
4. 4
   Make a space in the center of the beef pan, add the remaining 2g of olive oil, and add the chopped garlic. Let it cook for 15 seconds without burning to infuse flavor.
   ▶ ≈4:25
5. 5
   Add the reserved pasta water, cooked pasta, and broccoli to the beef. Stir everything together, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 1 final minute until the pasta reaches al dente and absorbs the meat's flavors.
   ▶ ≈4:39
6. 6
   Taste to confirm the pasta is cooked al dente. Turn off the heat, add the Parmesan cheese, and give everything a final stir. The cheese will melt into the sauce and bring everything together beautifully. Plate and serve.
   ▶ ≈4:51