Easy Beef and Spinach Pasta Recipe
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.
Equipment
- 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 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.