Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? This Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake is the answer! Packed with rich flavors, creamy texture, and a combination of fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. It’s a perfect blend of savory ground beef, melty cheeses, and tender spinach, all baked to perfection. Ready to dive into a recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake
If you’re in need of a simple, yet flavorful dinner idea, this recipe has everything you could want. Here are a few reasons why this Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake should be on your menu:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can get this dish on the table in no time. Prepping and cooking takes under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from ground beef and creamy, cheesy goodness, this meal will fill you up and keep you satisfied.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of beef, pasta, and cheese makes it a dish that even the pickiest eaters will love. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy spinach!
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t like spinach? Try kale or another green. Looking for a vegetarian version? Swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein.
Now that we’ve convinced you that this creamy bake is a winner, let’s take a look at the ingredients and the step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake
Before you get started, make sure you have all of these ingredients ready to go. These are the building blocks for creating a delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
- 1 lb ground beef – Ground beef is the base of this dish, providing protein and rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables.
- 1 small onion, chopped – The onion adds a savory depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic brings the essential aromatic base to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A must-have for giving the dish a herby kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained – The tomatoes add juiciness and freshness to the mix.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste – Tomato paste thickens the sauce, making it extra creamy.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The cream provides the richness and smooth texture for the sauce.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – Ricotta is the key to that smooth, creamy consistency.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – Fresh spinach gives the dish a nutritional boost and adds a burst of color.
- 3 cups cooked penne pasta – Penne pasta is the perfect shape to hold onto that creamy sauce.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella makes the bake bubbly and melty.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a crisp topping.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake
Once you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to start cooking! Don’t worry if this seems like a lot of steps – it’s all pretty straightforward and totally worth the effort. Follow along, and you’ll have a creamy, cheesy bake in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help the bake come out easily once it’s done.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir the beef occasionally until it’s completely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan. This ensures the dish doesn’t become too greasy.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. This step is essential for bringing out a rich, savory flavor in the dish.
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the seasonings coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir them into the beef mixture and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will soften and break down, creating a flavorful base for the creamy sauce. Make sure the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the tomatoes are cooked down, it’s time to make the sauce! Pour in the heavy cream and add the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is combined, and the sauce turns rich and creamy. You’ll want a smooth, luscious consistency here, so be patient and make sure the ricotta is fully incorporated.
Next, fold in the chopped spinach. Let the spinach cook for another 2 minutes, or until it wilts down into the sauce. The spinach adds a burst of nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Now that your sauce is ready, take a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy beef and spinach mixture. Gently stir the ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens – the pasta soaks up all that delicious sauce!
Step 7: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so the sauce and pasta are well-distributed. Now it’s time to add the cheese! Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheeses will melt perfectly in the oven, forming a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 9: Serve
Once your creamy beef and spinach pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This gives the sauce time to set and makes it easier to slice into portions. Serve up big, cheesy portions, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown of this tasty dish:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sodium: 600mg
With its balanced combination of protein, fat, and carbs, this creamy beef and spinach pasta bake is a satisfying and filling meal that everyone will love.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake
How to Get the Creamiest Sauce
To ensure your sauce is rich and smooth, make sure to use full-fat cream and whole-milk ricotta cheese. These ingredients provide the perfect base for a creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute it with lighter cream or a plant-based ricotta.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can absolutely swap it for another type of pasta, like ziti, rigatoni, or rotini. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente so it doesn’t get too soft while baking.
How Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
If you’re meal prepping or need to save time, you can assemble this dish ahead of time. Simply complete steps 1-7, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through. The creamy sauce may thicken slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake
To make this meal even more satisfying, pair it with a simple side or drink:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm, crispy garlic bread for a classic comfort-food combo.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the pasta bake.
- Wine: Pair this dish with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the flavors.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake is a showstopper that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish will be a hit every time. The rich, creamy sauce, savory beef, and melted cheese make it a comforting dinner that will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
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Now, grab your ingredients and get cooking! This creamy beef and spinach pasta bake will quickly become a family favorite!
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Simple Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake in 45 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food, combining savory ground beef, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the heavy cream and ricotta cheese to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined and the sauce is creamy. Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the penne pasta with any pasta shape of your choice, such as rigatoni or ziti.
- For extra flavor, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a slight kick.
- Feel free to use low-fat cream or ricotta for a lighter version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake, beef and spinach bake, creamy pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner recipes, easy pasta bake