Ground Beef Pasta Bake(One Dish Dinner)
A hearty one-dish pasta bake featuring savory ground beef, spinach, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 14 oz. jar spaghetti sauce with mushrooms ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 2 large eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain and reserve liquid.
- Set spinach aside.
- Add enough water to the reserved liquid to make 1 cup; set aside.
- Cook ground chuck, onion, and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet, stirring until meat crumbles and onion is tender.
- Drain and discard excess liquid.
- Add 1 cup spinach liquid, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the beef in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook pasta as package directs. Drain.
- Combine cooked pasta, spinach, 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, and 1 tablespoon oil.
- Divide the pasta mixture evenly between two 8-inch square baking dishes.
- Spoon the sauce evenly over the pasta in each dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over both casseroles.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the ground chuck and use whole wheat pasta. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Make sure to fully drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier option, serve it with a slice of Herb Peel Away Bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Pasta Bake(One Dish Dinner) contains roughly 842 calories, with 18g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (130% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2648mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze the Ground Beef Pasta Bake?
Absolutely! After baking, allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed until warmed through.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
You can use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or fusilli, which will hold the sauce well. If you prefer a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta varieties available in most grocery stores. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).