One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta

One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is a hearty, no-fuss meal that I love to make when I need something filling, flavorful, and fast. It’s got everything I want in a weeknight dinner—savory ground beef, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all cooked in a single pan for easy prep and cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how comforting and satisfying this dish is, without being too heavy. The spinach adds a fresh, nutritious touch that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. It all cooks together, which means fewer dishes and less time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with whatever I have on hand—different veggies, cheeses, or pasta shapes work great. It’s one of those meals I keep in regular rotation.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

• Beef broth or water

• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• Fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Italian seasoning or dried oregano

directions

1. I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

2. I add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

3. I add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.

4. I season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in the uncooked pasta.

5. I pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.

6. I bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

7. I stir in the spinach and let it wilt down for a couple of minutes.

8. I add shredded cheese and a splash of cream if using, stirring until everything is creamy and melted together.

9. I let it sit for a minute or two before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add red pepper flakes for heat or swap the spinach for kale or zucchini. I’ve also used ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef when I want to change things up. If I want it extra cheesy, I top it with more shredded cheese and broil it for a couple minutes until bubbly. For a creamier version, I use a bit more cream and mozzarella.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The pasta holds up well, and the flavors are even better the next day.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, I can. I just keep an eye on the liquid and cook time since different pastas absorb differently. I adjust the broth as needed.

Do I have to cook the pasta separately?

No, the pasta cooks right in the same pan with the sauce, which saves time and gives the dish even more flavor.

Can I make this without cheese?

Absolutely. I can skip the cheese for a lighter version, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed. The pasta is still flavorful on its own.

What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?

I like short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the pan.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

I can freeze this dish, though the texture of the pasta might change slightly. I reheat it in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

Conclusion

One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is one of those meals I turn to when I want something hearty, easy, and full of flavor. It’s a reliable favorite that comes together quickly and leaves me with minimal cleanup. Whether I’m cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder always does the trick.