Looking for a quick, comforting dinner the whole family will love? This creamy ground beef pasta is the perfect solution! Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s packed with tender pasta, savory beef, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce.
It’s simple, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in just 30 minutes
- Family-friendly – even picky eaters love it
- Creamy & cheesy – the perfect comfort food
- Great for leftovers – tastes even better the next day
- Pantry staples – no fancy ingredients needed
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (shells, penne, etc.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
👨🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. - Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook 1–2 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease. - Add sauce ingredients
Stir in spinach, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings.
Cook until spinach wilts and everything is well combined. - Make it creamy
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup reserved pasta water.
Simmer 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and cheese melts. - Combine with pasta
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until everything is well blended. - Serve
Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
💡 Tips
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy
- Add extra cream or tomato sauce for a saucier dish
- Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps the sauce stick perfectly
- Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Freeze: Freeze the beef sauce (with or without pasta) for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.