If you’ve ever yearned for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, this One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is about to become your new best friend. Combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, hearty greens, and a sprinkle of Parmesan in a single skillet, this dish promises big flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or simply craving a cozy meal, this recipe effortlessly brings everyone to the table—no fuss, just fantastic taste!

One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta lies in its smart mix of simple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from creating a rich, savory base to adding pops of color and a final cheesy flourish that ties everything together.

Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the dish, offering savory richness and satisfying protein.
Onion (1 small, diced): Gives aromatic sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a pungent, mouthwatering kick with every bite.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A medley of herbs for that classic, cozy Italian flavor profile.
Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a touch of gentle heat—add more or less to suit your taste.
Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained): Juicy tomatoes create a vibrant, tangy sauce base.
Beef broth (2 ½ cups): Infuses the pasta and meat with deep, savory notes while cooking everything in one pan.
Pasta (8 ounces penne or rotini, uncooked): Absorbs all the flavors and becomes perfectly al dente as it cooks.
Fresh spinach (4 cups, roughly chopped): Wilts gently for added color, nutrients, and a touch of earthiness.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Melts right in, enriching the sauce with salty, nutty umami.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out every flavor in the skillet.

How to Make One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for several minutes, stirring occasionally until no pink remains. If you find a bit too much fat in the pan, carefully drain off the excess—this helps create a sauce that’s savory but not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

To the browned beef, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for two to three minutes, stirring so nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion turns translucent and your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing.

Step 3: Season & Simmer

Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Give everything a quick stir, letting the herbs and spices bloom in the warm pan. Add the can of diced tomatoes (liquid and all) and pour in the beef broth. Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure the noodles are nicely submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover your skillet. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb much of the broth and flavor as it softens, and you’ll notice the sauce thickening into a luscious coating.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

Once the pasta is just cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the chopped spinach. It may look like a lot at first, but the greens wilt down quickly, adding freshness and color. After 2 to 3 minutes, take the pan off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it creamy and irresistible. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve up your delicious One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta immediately!

How to Serve One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

Garnishes

To elevate your One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan over each serving, add a few fresh basil leaves, or crack some coarse black pepper for a restaurant-worthy touch. If you like a rustic look, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top makes for a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette can refresh the palate, while bread is a fantastic way to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta in shallow bowls with an extra swirl of olive oil. For a fun twist, spoon leftovers into bell pepper halves and bake them for “pasta stuffed peppers”—or top with mozzarella and broil for a just-melted, bubbly finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta stores beautifully. Transfer extra portions to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. The flavors meld nicely as it sits, making for even tastier lunches or quick dinners for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your pasta, simply let it cool completely first. Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—this preserves the best texture for both the pasta and spinach.

Reheating

Warm leftover One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single servings in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan before digging in!

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey offers a leaner option while sausage brings extra seasoning. Both swap in seamlessly and keep the essence of the dish intact.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne and rotini are top choices for One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta since their shapes hold sauce well, but feel free to experiment with similar short pastas like fusilli or farfalle.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can—just be sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach well before stirring it in. This prevents excess water from making the sauce too thin.

How do I make it creamier?

If you’d like a richer, silkier texture, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese right at the end, just before serving!

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The mild flavors and balanced textures make it a family favorite, but you can always leave out the red pepper flakes and use small pasta shapes to make it even more appealing to little ones.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste just how satisfying—and incredibly easy—it is to whip up a skillet full of One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, it’s comfort food that truly brings everyone together. Give it a try and let this simple, flavorful recipe earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring ground beef, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a flavorful tomato broth. This family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 ½ cups beef broth
8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, brown ground beef, and drain excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Season the Beef: Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in tomatoes, broth, and uncooked pasta, simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish with Spinach: Stir in spinach, cook until wilted.
Final Touches: Remove from heat, mix in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and serve.