I’ll never forget the first time I made this Beef and Spinach Pasta. I had some leftover ground beef and a bunch of fresh spinach in the fridge, and I was trying to think of a meal that would be quick yet satisfying. I decided to throw them together, and the result was something I never expected. The richness of the beef combined with the earthy taste of the spinach made for a perfect pasta dish. It was easy to make and had all the comforting flavors I was craving.

Since then, this dish has become one of my go-to recipes. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but isn’t difficult to pull off. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or even for a special gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly adaptable. You can switch out the pasta or add extra vegetables depending on what you have on hand. I love how simple it is to make and how full of flavor it turns out every single time.

Servings	Total
4	30mins

Table of Contents

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I came up with this recipe one evening when I was trying to make a hearty meal using whatever I had in the kitchen. I had ground beef and fresh spinach, and I decided to get creative. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but once the flavors came together, I knew I had discovered a winner. Since then, I’ve made some adjustments here and there, but the basic combination of beef, spinach, and pasta has remained the same. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to tweak based on what you like or what ingredients you have available.

Why Beef and Spinach Pasta

Ground beef and spinach are a wonderful combination for a pasta dish. The beef adds a savory, meaty flavor, while the spinach brings freshness and nutrition. The spinach wilts down beautifully and mixes with the beef, making it the perfect complement. The hearty texture of the beef and the subtle taste of spinach come together in the pasta to make a comforting and balanced meal. This dish is great because it’s filling, easy to make, and full of flavor.

What is Beef and Spinach Pasta Made of?

This dish is made with a few simple, hearty ingredients:

Ground beef – The main protein of the dish, providing richness and depth of flavor.

Spinach – Fresh spinach works best, and it wilts down nicely when cooked, adding a nice texture and a boost of vitamins.
Pasta – I like to use penne or spaghetti, but any pasta works well.
Onion and garlic – These aromatic vegetables give the dish great flavor and depth.

Tomato sauce – Adds a little acidity and sweetness that complements the beef and spinach.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like, such as oregano or basil, can enhance the flavor.
Cheese – Parmesan or mozzarella works great as a topping to bring everything together.

What to Have with Beef and Spinach Pasta

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

Garlic bread – A perfect side to scoop up any extra sauce.
Side salad – A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Steamed vegetables – Broccoli or green beans are a great way to add some extra greens to the meal.
Roasted potatoes – If you’re craving something extra, roasted potatoes with a little rosemary would be delicious alongside this dish.

Is Beef and Spinach Pasta Healthy?

Yes, this dish can be quite healthy, especially if you use lean ground beef and add plenty of spinach. Spinach is a powerhouse vegetable, full of vitamins A, C, and K, and packed with iron. The ground beef provides protein and iron, which is great for your body. If you want to make the dish even healthier, you can use whole grain pasta, or you could replace the ground beef with a leaner protein like turkey. It’s also a great way to sneak more greens into your diet, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need:

A large skillet for cooking the beef and spinach
A large pot for boiling the pasta

A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
A strainer to drain the pasta
A cutting board and a knife for chopping the onion and garlic

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (lean)
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato sauce

Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional)

How to Make Beef and Spinach Pasta

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of pasta water for later.
Cook the Beef:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the Spinach and Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down. Then, pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and spinach mixture. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.

Tips

Use lean ground beef – For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
Add extra veggies – You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish for more flavor and nutrients.
Make it creamy – For a creamier version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese when adding the tomato sauce.

Make it spicier – If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the mix.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the skillet.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Beef and spinach pasta is a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s full of flavor, nutritious, and easy to make. Whether you’re making it for your family or for yourself, this dish is sure to please. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your preferences. Enjoy this delicious and wholesome meal today!

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