If you’re searching for a hearty, delicious dinner that doesn’t demand a mountain of dishes, this One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a wonderful blend of savory ground beef, bright spinach, and perfectly tender pasta, all cooked together in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Imagine a comforting meal that comes together quickly, with fresh ingredients and a creamy cheesy finish that makes every bite utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend supper, this recipe checks every box for ease, taste, and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create a vibrant, flavorful dish. Each component plays a key role: the ground beef adds richness, spinach brings freshness and color, and the cheeses deliver that irresistible creamy texture.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean for less fat but plenty of savory flavor.
- ½ medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to balance the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs for that classic Italian taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to keep things interesting.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice): Provides a juicy tang and a lovely sauce base.
- 2 cups beef broth: Keeps the pasta cooking moist and infuses more meaty goodness.
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini): Holds sauce beautifully with its shape and texture.
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Offers a pop of green and a slightly earthy taste.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for creamy indulgence.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that’s irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The cooking base that brings everything together.
How to Make One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion and let them cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and the onions become tender and translucent. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Take care not to rush this step—you want that caramelization for maximum flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat if you spot a lot pooling at the bottom.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This step is quick—just 30 seconds of cooking will release the garlic’s wonderful aroma and give your dish a warm, herbaceous base that starts pulling all the other flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta
Now, add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, the beef broth, and your uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture up to a boil; this sets the stage for the pasta to cook right in the flavorful liquid, soaking up all those tasty juices.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the pasta simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking. During this time, the pasta softens perfectly as it absorbs the savory broth and tomato juices, mingling flavors in every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Cheese
After the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the fresh spinach. It wilts down quickly, usually within 1 to 2 minutes, adding vibrant color and a slight earthiness. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top and gently stir until creamy, gooey cheese melds into every bite. This cheesy finale makes the dish irresistibly rich and comforting.
How to Serve One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, consider garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of herbal freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a playful heat, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brings a glossy finish that feels just a bit special.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone star, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread takes the meal to the next level. The salad provides a refreshing crunch, and the bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover saucy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in a shallow bowl with a soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein and richness. Another idea is to sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes over the finished dish for texture and surprise. Presentation is all about making your table inviting and your meal feel like a celebration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It retains its flavors well, though the pasta will continue soaking the sauce, so it may be a bit thicker upon reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool the pasta completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw frozen pasta overnight in the fridge for best results. Warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Stirring occasionally helps maintain that creamy consistency and prevents sticking.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?
Absolutely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen spinach all work well. Just adjust cooking times—kale might need a bit longer to soften, while frozen spinach should be thawed and drained first.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can easily be gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile option for many diets.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything through step 4, cool it, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, add the spinach and cheese and finish cooking just before serving for fresh flavor and texture.
What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for melt and flavor balance, but you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of pecorino for a twist.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be wonderful additions. Add them early with the onions to ensure they cook through.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe enough—it’s the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a quick go-to for busy nights or anytime you crave a wholesome, flavorful meal without the hassle. Give it a try, and enjoy the joy of a truly satisfying, no-fuss dinner!
Print
One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. With browned ground beef, tender pasta cooked right in the sauce, and fresh spinach melted into cheesy goodness, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that combines minimal cleanup with maximum taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to reduce greasiness.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, which enhances the flavor base of the dish.
- Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Add the uncooked pasta and stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to start cooking the pasta.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, creating a hearty and cohesive sauce.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the pasta mixture, adding freshness and nutrients.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Gently stir to melt the cheese into the dish, creating a creamy, cheesy finish. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or use frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream along with the cheeses.
- This recipe works great with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
