There’s something so comforting about a bowl of pasta—especially when it’s all made in one pan, ready in 30 minutes, and packed with flavor. This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is the kind of dinner you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family movie night, or you just don’t feel like doing a mountain of dishes, this hearty, flavorful meal has your back.
Hi, I’m Jenny—wife, mom, and home cook who knows what it’s like to juggle homework help, bath time, and still try to get dinner on the table. This dish? It’s one of my weeknight lifesavers. And when my 6-year-old hops up on the stool to help me stir in the spinach, it turns into a little kitchen memory too. That’s the magic of meals like this—simple, delicious, and made for the moments that matter.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta
- One pan means less mess: No pile of pots in the sink.
- 30-minute meal: Dinner is done before you can say “takeout.”
- Wholesome and filling: With ground beef, spinach, tomatoes, and pasta—this meal checks every box.
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters tend to gobble it up.
- Flexible: Swap in your favorite pasta or sneak in extra veggies.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta (your choice, like rotini or penne) | 8 oz |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 14 oz |
| Beef broth (or non-alcoholic broth) | 2 cups |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) | For serving |
How to Make One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes (including juice). Stir well to combine.
- Season it: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir again.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir, bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
- Finish with spinach: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Serve it up: Top with grated Parmesan if you’d like and serve warm.
“Don’t worry if the pasta looks like it’s swimming a bit before the last few minutes—the starch will thicken the sauce beautifully. It always works out.” — Jenny
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
Time-Saving Tips from My Kitchen
- Use frozen spinach: If that’s what you’ve got, go for it. Just thaw and squeeze out extra moisture before tossing it in.
- Try pre-chopped onions and garlic: They’re real lifesavers when your hands are full (hello, mom life).
- No beef broth? Water with a beef bouillon cube or even vegetable broth works just fine.
“On days when I’m racing against the clock, I toss in frozen spinach and use garlic paste. It’s still just as tasty, and dinner is done before my son asks for snacks—again.” — Jenny
Serving Suggestions
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Add red pepper flakes for a kick, or a splash of balsamic for depth.
Perfect Drink Pairings
- A chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance.
- Unsweetened iced tea or light red grape juice for a family-friendly option.
- If you’re relaxing at dinner, a glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the beef and tomato flavors.
Restaurant-Worthy Presentation Ideas
- Twist the pasta into a nest with tongs and plate it in a shallow bowl.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley over the top.
- Serve with a side ramekin of Parmesan for guests to add as they like.
“A little garnish goes a long way. When it looks pretty, it tastes even better—especially if you’re trying to impress your in-laws!” — Jenny
One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta is your ultimate weeknight dinner hero—hearty, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with ground beef, tender pasta, and fresh spinach all simmered in a rich tomato and broth sauce, this easy one-skillet meal means less cleanup and more family time. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Add Parmesan for a cheesy finish and enjoy a wholesome dish full of flavor and love.
Ingredients
🥘 Main Ingredients
-
8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
-
1 lb ground beef
-
2 cups fresh spinach
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
-
2 cups beef broth (or non-alcoholic broth)
🧂 Seasoning
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper to taste
🧀 Optional
-
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Onion and Garlic
Add diced onion to the beef and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine everything well.
Season and Add Pasta
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Simmer covered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 more minutes until wilted.
Serve and Enjoy
Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy straight from the skillet!
Notes
Swap beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
Frozen spinach can be used—just thaw and squeeze dry before adding.
Gluten-free pasta works well, but check for doneness earlier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Add extra broth when reheating if pasta has absorbed all the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken both work great in this dish. You could even use plant-based meat crumbles if you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly option. Just keep an eye on the seasoning since beef tends to bring a deeper flavor by default.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work beautifully. They hold onto the sauce and cook evenly in the pan. If you only have spaghetti, you can break it into thirds and use it—but stir often to avoid clumping.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The only catch is that gluten-free pasta can cook a bit differently, so check it around the 10-minute mark and adjust the broth if needed.
How do I store the leftovers?
Let the pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. I usually divide it into individual portions—it’s a great grab-and-go lunch for busy days.
How should I reheat this pasta?
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life. You can also warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You sure can. This pasta holds up well in the fridge. Just reheat before serving and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or an extra handful of spinach to freshen it up.
What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers are all great add-ins. You can sauté them with the onions or toss them in toward the end if you like a little crunch.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Definitely. Just make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the pan. Too much liquid can water down the sauce, and we don’t want that.
What if I don’t have canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes (about 2 cups chopped) can work, especially if they’re juicy. You could also use tomato sauce or a bit of marinara if that’s what you have on hand. It’s very forgiving.
Let’s Wrap It Up
This One-Pan Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta has become one of those dinners I always keep in my back pocket. It’s hearty, satisfying, and fuss-free—the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without a lot of planning or prep. Whether I’m serving it on a Tuesday night after soccer practice or warming it up for lunch the next day, it never lets me down.
And the best part? It’s a recipe that welcomes you to make it your own. Toss in mushrooms, swap the spinach for kale, or add extra herbs. It’s flexible and forgiving—just like a good dinner should be.
“Some nights call for fancy meals. Other nights, you just need something hot, easy, and made with love. This pasta? It’s the latter—and it’s wonderful.” — Jenny
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your thoughts in the comments or tag #RecipesCookery on social media so I can see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!