If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup, this One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Bursting with rich, savory flavors from the ground beef and Italian seasonings, complemented by the freshness of spinach and the comforting bite of perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a true all-in-one dish that satisfies any dinner craving. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights or whenever you need something delicious and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that bring both flavor and texture to your plate. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the ground beef for savoriness, fresh spinach to add a pop of green, or the Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base and rich flavor that makes this dish so satisfying.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Great for soaking up all those delicious juices and ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a touch of freshness and a healthy boost without overpowering the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings brightness and a subtle acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the pan while adding depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that makes the dish irresistibly creamy.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing and imparting a smooth, flavorful base.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and foundation flavor when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Italian herb notes to the mix.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful touch for a restaurant-quality finish.
How to Make One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step lays the flavorful foundation for the entire dish and ensures the aromatic base shines through.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef directly to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook it until nicely browned and fully cooked through, around 5 to 7 minutes. The browning process brings out those deep, savory flavors that make the dish incredibly satisfying.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and prepares the flavorsome liquid for cooking the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Pan
Now add your pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat it in the tomato-beef sauce. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes, checking occasionally to stir and making sure the pasta doesn’t stick. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash more broth or water. Cooking the pasta right in the sauce means it absorbs all those rich flavors as it softens.
Step 5: Stir in Fresh Spinach
Once the pasta reaches tender perfection, toss in the chopped fresh spinach. Stir it into the hot pasta and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant green. This step adds a fresh, nutritious element that balances all the richness.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish and toss everything together one last time. The cheese will melt into the warm pasta, creating a luscious, creamy coating. Give the dish a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed to make it just right.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish out generous portions while hot, and if you like, top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness. You’re ready to dig into a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
How to Serve One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley work wonderfully as a bright, fresh garnish, cutting through the richness of the beef and cheese. You might also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a one-pan wonder, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crunchy side salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual bowls topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze. You could even turn it into a baked pasta dish by transferring it into a baking dish, topping with mozzarella, and baking until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe store very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, consider freezing the pasta and sauce separately from the fresh spinach, adding it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir well to redistribute the spinach and cheese and serve piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork would work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as leaner meats may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
What type of pasta works best in this one-pan recipe?
Pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best because their shapes hold the sauce nicely. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, which might overcook too quickly.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it in, so you don’t add extra water to the dish. Fresh spinach, however, provides a nicer texture and vibrant color.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for cooking the pasta.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions or sprinkle some spicy chili powder along with the Italian seasoning to give the dish a nice, warm kick that wakes up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight meals to share with friends and family. It’s simple, comforting, and packed full of fresh and savory flavors that everyone loves. Give it a try and experience how a few straightforward ingredients can come together in one pan to create something truly special and delicious!
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: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is a quick and hearty weeknight meal combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and fresh spinach all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup. The dish features a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a deliciously balanced and satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Sautéing and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine with the sauce. Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more beef broth if necessary to keep the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Incorporate Spinach: Once pasta is cooked, stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finish With Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine evenly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be used.
- Adding a splash of cream or milk at the end can create a creamier sauce.
- For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and onion.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
