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Healthy Ground Beef Spinach Pasta

Category: American Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Enjoy a balanced Italian-American main featuring lean ground beef, tender spinach, and wholesome whole wheat penne. Begin by cooking the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, brown the beef with minced garlic in a skillet, draining excess fat for a lighter base. Stir in tomato sauce and fresh spinach, simmering until the greens wilt and the flavors meld. Combine the sautéed mixture with pasta and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Simple, flavorful, and packed with protein, this dish comes together quickly, making it a nourishing choice for any mealtime. Try adding mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables and comfort. Ideal for busy nights or family gatherings.

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Updated on Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:36:08 GMT
A plate of pasta with spinach and meat. Save
A plate of pasta with spinach and meat. | krispyrecipes.com

This healthy ground beef and spinach pasta brings together hearty whole wheat penne and plenty of greens for a quick meal packed with protein and flavor The rich tomato sauce and Parmesan tie everything together making it a go to dish when you want something tasty and nourishing on a busy night

I made this for my kids when we all needed a protein boost after soccer practice and now it is always in our meal rotation everyone loves it and the leftovers are even better the next day

Ingredients

  • Whole wheat penne: brings fiber and nutty flavor look for penne that holds its shape well after cooking
  • Lean ground beef: gives protein and rich taste choose beef with less fat for a lighter dish
  • Fresh spinach: loads of vitamins and a gentle earthy taste always go for bright green whole leaves
  • Tomato sauce: tangy and savory base opt for a sauce with minimal added sugar for best flavor
  • Garlic: adds an aromatic kick freshly minced is best for depth
  • Grated Parmesan: sharp umami finish use real Parmigiano Reggiano for extra melt and depth

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water then cook whole wheat penne until just al dente stir occasionally so it cooks evenly drain and set aside saving a splash of pasta water
Brown the Beef and Garlic:
Heat a large skillet over medium high add lean ground beef break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink about five to six minutes add minced garlic and cook for another one to two minutes stir frequently and drain off excess fat
Add Tomato Sauce and Spinach:
Pour in tomato sauce and add fresh spinach bring to a gentle simmer cook until the spinach is wilted but still bright green about three to four minutes stir to help spinach evenly mix into the sauce
Combine Pasta and Parmesan:
Reduce heat to low add the cooked pasta and half the grated Parmesan into the skillet toss everything thoroughly so each piece is coated add a little pasta water if it looks dry
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top serve hot with extra greens or a simple side salad if you like
A bowl of pasta with ground beef and spinach. Save
A bowl of pasta with ground beef and spinach. | krispyrecipes.com

My favorite part is adding Parmesan at the end you get melty bits in every bite I remember the first time my kids asked for seconds and it felt like a major win for weeknight dinners

Storage Tips

This pasta keeps well refrigerated in a sealed container for up to four days If making in advance keep a bit of extra tomato sauce or a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to stir in before reheating this keeps the pasta moist and prevents it from drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap fresh spinach for frozen just thaw and squeeze out excess water for the best texture For more flavor try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef For a dairy free version use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and pick a vegan tomato sauce

A bowl of pasta with ground beef and spinach. Save
A bowl of pasta with ground beef and spinach. | krispyrecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for extra crunch A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds color and herby aroma My kids love it with roasted zucchini or mushrooms added the more veggies the better

Cultural and Historical Context

Whole wheat pasta and lean meats are a hallmark of modern Italian American weeknight meals This dish balances traditional hearty flavors with a lighter twist that suits a busy lifestyle and emphasizes fresh quality ingredients

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Whole wheat penne is recommended for added fiber and texture, but other short pastas like rigatoni or rotini also pair well.

→ Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken provide a lighter alternative and blend well with the spinach and tomato sauce.

→ How can I boost the vegetable content?

Try mixing in zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers during sautéing for a heartier dish rich in nutrients.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this meal?

Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative for a completely dairy-free version.

→ What tips can enhance flavor?

Season with fresh herbs like basil or oregano and finish with cracked black pepper to brighten the final dish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days for the best taste and texture.

Healthy Ground Beef Spinach Pasta

Ground beef and spinach tossed with whole wheat pasta for a satisfying, high-protein Italian-American main.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min

Recipe Category: Quick & Easy Meals

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta & Protein

01 300 g whole wheat penne pasta
02 400 g lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Sauce

03 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
04 2 cups tomato sauce
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 60 g grated Parmesan cheese

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 03

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in tomato sauce and fresh spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted and sauce is heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 04

Add drained pasta and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Toss to combine until well-coated. Serve hot.

Additional Notes

  1. Enhance flavor and texture by adding sliced zucchini or mushrooms alongside the spinach.

Required Tools

  • Pot
  • Skillet
  • Garlic press

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy and wheat.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 490
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 34 g