One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and requires minimal clean-up, then One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is your new best friend. The rich flavors of ground beef paired with savory garlic, fresh spinach, and hearty pasta all cooked together in one pan—what could be better? It’s a complete meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat!

The beauty of this dish is that everything cooks in one pan, which means less hassle and more time for you to relax. Plus, it’s super customizable depending on what you’ve got on hand or your mood—add extra veggies, throw in some cheese, or switch up the pasta! It’s as flexible as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

Here’s why this dish is a total winner:

One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup. Everything cooks together in one pan, making this a breeze to prepare.

Quick & Easy: It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time.

Packed with Flavor: From the savory beef and garlic to the fresh spinach, every bite is full of comforting flavors that hit all the right notes.

Balanced & Nutritious: You’ve got protein from the beef, vitamins from the spinach, and the carbs you love from the pasta. It’s a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Customizable: Feel free to add extra ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to personalize this dish to your liking.

Ingredients in One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

You don’t need a bunch of complicated ingredients to make this dish sing. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef

The heart of the dish! Choose lean ground beef for a leaner option, or go for a fattier cut if you like a bit more richness. The beef provides all the savory, meaty flavor we’re after.

Pasta

Any short pasta will work perfectly here—penne, rigatoni, or rotini are all great choices. You want something hearty that can hold up to the sauce and beef.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, making this dish feel wholesome. Plus, it wilts beautifully into the pasta as it cooks.

Onion and Garlic

For that essential savory base. The combination of sautéed onion and garlic gives the dish an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.

Tomato Paste

A little bit of tomato paste deepens the flavor and creates a rich sauce for the pasta.

Beef Broth

This is used to cook the pasta and create a luscious, flavorful sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Olive Oil

To sauté the beef and veggies to perfection.

Salt and Pepper

To season everything just right.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious one-pan wonder? Let’s get started:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or deep pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the pan with the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!

Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavor. This step adds a rich depth to the sauce and enhances the beef’s savory flavor.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, add the uncooked pasta to the pan. Stir everything together so the pasta is submerged in the broth. Cover the pan and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. Cover the pan again and let the spinach wilt for about 2-3 minutes. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this one-pan meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: Approx. 400-450 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, try these serving suggestions:

Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread for a truly comforting meal. The crispy bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce!

Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Cheese: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the top for extra flavor and creaminess.

Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers would complement the flavors of the pasta wonderfully.

Additional Tips

Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for even more flavor and nutrition.

Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers to the pan when you sauté the onions and garlic.

Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re looking to make it healthier or cater to dietary needs, swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

Freeze for Later: This pasta freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! You can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pan.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It’s a great meal prep option. You can cook it, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A3: Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this dish and makes it a bit leaner.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little added broth.

Q5: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A5: Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’d like.

Q6: Can I add more seasoning to the dish?
A6: Absolutely! You can add Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano for extra flavor. Feel free to customize it to your taste.

Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Yes! You can use any type of short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, this recipe is easy to double! Just be sure to use a larger pan or skillet and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q9: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A9: You can add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or fresh jalapeños to the dish to give it some heat.

Q10: Can I add cheese to the pasta?
A10: Yes, adding cheese is a great idea! You can sprinkle some mozzarella or Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is the perfect dinner for anyone who loves flavor-packed meals that are quick and easy to make. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a win-win. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something delicious, this dish has got you covered. Enjoy!

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