🍔🧀 High-Protein Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Creamy, cheesy comfort food with a cheeseburger twist! Makes: 4 servings Serving size: ¼ of the finished recipe Ingredients * 1 lb 93% lean ground beef * 8 oz dry protein pasta, such as Barilla Protein+ * 1 cup 2% cottage cheese * 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, about 4 oz * ½ cup 2% milk * ½ medium onion, finely diced * 1 tablespoon tomato paste * 1 teaspoon yellow mustard * 1 teaspoon garlic powder * ½ teaspoon smoked paprika * Salt and pepper, to taste * Optional: diced pickles for topping Directions 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. 2. Brown beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking the beef into crumbles. Drain excess grease. 3. Stir in tomato paste, mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute. 4. Blend cottage cheese and milk until completely smooth. 5. Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add pasta and the blended sauce, then gradually stir in cheddar until melted. Avoid boiling. 6. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until creamy. Season to taste and top with optional pickles. Estimated macros per serving: 🔥 590 calories · 💪 48 g protein · 47 g carbs · 23 g fat Nutrition is estimated and varies by brand and preparation; optional toppings aren’t included. Brought to you by Maryann’s High-Protein Kitchen ❤️ #HighProte#HighProteinRecipesr#CheeseburgerMacAndCheeseo#ComfortFooda#ProteinPackedhighproteinkitchen - @maryanncollier1