There’s something magical about a dish that delivers maximum flavor, hearty comfort, and effortless cleanup all in one skillet. That’s why One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is such a weeknight favorite of mine. Savory beef, tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and gooey cheeses all cook together in a single pan, letting every ingredient soak up loads of rich, tomatoey goodness. It’s a true culinary hug—easy to throw together, crowd-pleasing, and it never fails to disappear quickly from the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is how it transforms a handful of basic staples into a deeply satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays a unique part, bringing its own flavor and texture while keeping things delightfully simple.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef perfectly for delicious flavor.
- Ground beef: The star protein that gives the dish its hearty, savory base.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and rounds out the flavor of the sauce.
- Garlic: Two cloves create that classic, mouthwatering aroma you expect from an Italian-inspired dinner.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that lift and balance all the other ingredients.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings a whisper of herbs that evokes traditional pasta dishes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—add as much or as little as you like.
- Low-sodium beef or chicken broth: Gives the pasta depth and ensures it cooks up luxuriously tender.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): They add juiciness and a burst of tomato flavor with every bite.
- Uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors in the pan.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Wilts down quickly, adding color and a lovely dose of greens.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, stretchy topping everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the dish with an extra punch of nutty, salty goodness.
How to Make One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. After about 5 to 7 minutes, the beef should be nicely browned and a little crispy around the edges—just what you want for layering in rich, meaty flavor. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off so you don’t end up with a greasy sauce.
Step 2: Add Onion, Garlic, and Seasonings
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them cook together with the beef for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to move on when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing and the onions look soft. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a shake of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat, stirring everything together so each bite has a hint of herby, zesty flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta and Sauce
Now comes the one-pan magic! Pour in your broth and the can of diced tomatoes, juices and all. Stir in the uncooked short pasta—whether it’s penne, rotini, or shells, they all work beautifully. Mix well, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and cover your pan. Let it all simmer away for about 12 to 15 minutes, giving it a quick stir a couple of times to keep the pasta from sticking. When the pasta has soaked up most of the liquid and is just tender, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Cheeses
Stir in your chopped fresh spinach, letting the greens wilt down into the steamy pasta for just a minute or two. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and finish with a shower of grated Parmesan. Cover the pan again for another one to two minutes, just long enough to let the cheese melt into bubbly, golden goodness on top of your One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Take a moment to bask in the mouthwatering aroma, then scoop your freshly made One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta into bowls. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top if you like a little zing. Serve right away while it’s piping hot, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the magic of a good garnish! For this dish, a little extra Parmesan, a handful of fresh basil, or a scatter of red pepper flakes really brings everything together—making each bowl look and taste even more special.
Side Dishes
Since One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is already a complete meal, I love pairing it with something light and crisp—maybe a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or a side of garlic bread for extra comfort. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of minestrone soup would also make wonderful companions for a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take your presentation up a notch, try serving One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta straight from the skillet at the table for a truly rustic, family-style experience. Or, spoon it into shallow bowls and top each serving with a swirl of pesto, a dollop of ricotta, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. For individual portions, you could serve it in mini casserole dishes and broil until bubbly for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. The flavors only get better as they mingle!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? No problem! Portion your cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave, or warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Top with a little extra cheese after reheating to revive that melty, gooey finish that makes One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage work wonderfully in place of ground beef in One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta. You might need to adjust your seasonings to suit the protein, but the method stays just the same.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
You can easily substitute frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before stirring it in. Frozen spinach blends right into the pasta and gives you that fresh green color and nutrition boost.
Which pasta shapes are best for this recipe?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal for One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta, as they cook evenly in the sauce and hold onto plenty of flavor. If you prefer, you can try fusilli or farfalle, but just be sure to check for doneness a little earlier or later as needed.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground or crumbled tofu, use vegetable broth, and you’ll have an entirely meatless version that still packs plenty of flavor.
How spicy is this pasta?
It’s easy to control the spice level in One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can add as little or as much as your taste buds desire—or skip them entirely if you want to keep things mild.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is like giving yourself a gift on a busy night—a warm, comforting meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. If you haven’t tried it yet, trust me: it’s bound to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Give it a go and let your family enjoy the delicious simplicity!
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, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious one-pan pasta dish featuring flavorful ground beef, tender spinach, and gooey cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Liquid & Pasta: Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, and pasta; simmer until pasta is tender.
- Finish with Spinach & Cheese: Stir in spinach, top with mozzarella and Parmesan; cover to melt cheese.
- Serve: Garnish and enjoy hot!
Notes
- This recipe is versatile with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Frozen spinach can be substituted for fresh spinach.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
