If you’re searching for an impossibly cozy, hearty, and fuss-free dinner that delights every pasta lover at your table, look no further than One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta. This weeknight wonder combines tender beef, toothsome pasta, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach in a single skillet for a meal that looks as good as it tastes—without a pile of dishes to worry about at the end. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, a hungry family, or simply yourself with leftovers for tomorrow, this dish delivers big comfort with minimal effort.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient for One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta plays its own irresistible part: from the savory sizzle of ground beef to the creamy finish of Parmesan, every bite is layered with flavor. Stocking up is simple and, best of all, you probably have most of these on hand already!

Olive oil: Gives richness and helps brown the beef for savory depth.
Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing hearty flavor and protein to every bite.
Small onion (diced): Adds a mellow sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the whole skillet with aromatic zing—don’t skip this!
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that instantly creates classic comfort.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Offers a subtle heat and earthiness.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): Provide a tangy, juicy base for the sauce.
Beef broth: Deepens the flavor and cooks the pasta right in the pan.
Uncooked short pasta (penne or rotini): Soaks up all the saucy goodness in the same skillet.
Fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Adds vibrant color and a gentle, earthy flavor that lightens the dish.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Brings comforting creaminess without overwhelming richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor and an irresistibly melty finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat goes a long way—use as a garnish for extra pep!

How to Make One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your olive oil in a generous skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. You’re aiming for evenly browned, tender bits—just the right base for a truly savory sauce. If there’s extra fat, drain most of it away for a lighter finish. The aroma filling your kitchen is only the beginning!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, stir in your diced onion and let it soften for a couple minutes until it’s golden and fragrant. Next, add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step builds out a deliciously aromatic flavor foundation for your One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta without any complicated techniques.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juicy goodness, then add the beef broth and uncooked pasta straight into the pan—no need to boil separately! Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer away for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and watch as the pasta soaks up the flavorful liquid, transforming into saucy perfection.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the chopped fresh spinach. It only takes a couple minutes to wilt, and instantly infuses the entire skillet with bright color and a delicate earthiness. Even spinach skeptics will find themselves reaching for another forkful!

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Turn the heat down low, then swirl in the heavy cream (or half-and-half, if you prefer a lighter touch) and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a gentle toss until the sauce is creamy, the cheese melts, and each pasta piece is glossy and well coated. Scoop into bowls, dust with red pepper flakes if you like a little thrill, and serve hot.

How to Serve One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy finish on your One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta, shower each serving with an extra pinch of freshly grated Parmesan. If your crowd can handle a bit of spice, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a lively kick. A few torn basil leaves or a twist of cracked black pepper never hurt either—the little extras go a long way!

Side Dishes

This dish is filling enough to stand alone, but a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette or a side of crusty bread makes it feel extra special. If you’d like to round out the meal, roasted garlic broccoli or steamed green beans make wonderful, fresh complements to the creamy, hearty pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a homestyle touch, serve your One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta right in the pan at the table—everyone can dig in for a cozy family meal. Hosting a casual dinner? Pile the pasta onto a large platter and top with extra herbs and cheese for a beautiful centerpiece. For lunchboxes, portion leftovers into single-serve containers for delicious, envy-inducing work lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, leftovers of One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better!

Freezing

If you want to stash some extra portions away, you can absolutely freeze this pasta. Let it cool completely, pack it into freezer-safe containers, and lay a piece of parchment on top to minimize freezer burn. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Top with a little extra Parmesan after reheating for that fresh-from-the-pan taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully in this dish if you’re aiming for a lighter flavor. Simply follow the same cooking steps, keeping an eye on doneness, as these leaner meats cook quickly.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach makes a fine substitute—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before stirring it in. You’ll still get that earthy flavor and pop of green, with the convenience of always having some on hand.

Which pasta shapes work best for One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta?

Penne and rotini are superstars because their shape holds sauce beautifully, but feel free to use rigatoni, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni if that’s what’s in your pantry. Just keep cooking times in mind, as smaller shapes may cook a bit faster.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You sure can! Swap out the cream for an unsweetened non-dairy alternative, and pick your favorite dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce stays creamy and dreamy, with all the flavor you crave.

How can I add more vegetables?

Don’t hesitate to toss in some mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes along with the onions in Step 2. This simple twist makes One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta even heartier and more colorful.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the magic of a meal that’s quick to make, a joy to eat, and even better the next day. If you’re craving comfort, ease, and big flavor, One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is sure to become a standout in your dinner rotation. Grab your skillet and give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!

One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With tender beef, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups beef broth
8 ounces uncooked short pasta (penne or rotini)
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion, cook until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add Tomatoes and Pasta: Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish Dish: Stir in spinach until wilted. Add cream and Parmesan, stir until creamy. Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes.