Ground Beef And Spinach Casserole

Name: Ground Beef And Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Staples

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef and Spinach Casserole for my family. It's become a staple in our household because it combines savory flavors and wholesome ingredients into a hearty dish that everyone enjoys. The layers of tender beef, vibrant spinach, and creamy cheese come together beautifully, making it perfect for a comforting dinner. Plus, it’s an easy, one-dish meal that I can throw together in no time, making weeknight dinners much simpler.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:09:37.058Z

As I was experimenting in the kitchen one day, I realized that I could take simple ingredients like ground beef and spinach and create something spectacular. This casserole is truly the result of that moment. The flavors meld together perfectly over the course of baking, which really enhances the dish's appeal. Using fresh spinach adds a nice pop of color and nutrition, making the meal feel wholesome.

I've also found that you can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. For instance, substituting ground turkey is a great alternative if you're looking for a leaner option. When I make this casserole, I always recommend letting it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set beautifully, making it easier to slice and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying meal that pleases everyone
Nutritious spinach provides a boost of vitamins
Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Spinach Casserole plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. The ground beef serves as the hearty base, providing protein and richness. I prefer using a lean blend to minimize excess grease while ensuring enough juicy flavor. The chopped spinach not only adds a vibrant color but also packs in nutrients like iron and calcium, making this dish wholesome. Opt for fresh spinach over frozen for a better texture and brightness in the final casserole.

Ricotta cheese creates a creamy layer that binds the ingredients together, lending a slight sweetness and a smooth consistency. You can substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar texture and a lower-fat option, though it may alter the flavor slightly. The marinara sauce infuses the dish with Italian herbs and tang, so using a quality store-bought sauce or homemade can elevate the entire casserole. A little extra Italian seasoning can be added to enhance its aroma.

Layering Techniques

When assembling the casserole, it's important to layer efficiently for even cooking. Start with a layer of the beef and spinach mixture at the bottom of the dish to keep it moist while baking. After that, a generous dollop of ricotta adds creaminess, followed by the cooked pasta. If you prefer a crispier top, you can mix half of the mozzarella into the layers and reserve the other half for the top. This creates contrast in texture as the top layer gets bubbly and golden while the bottom stays moist.

Baking time is key for achieving the perfect texture. Keep an eye on the cheese; once it turns a lovely golden color and is bubbling, it's ready to come out. Be careful not to overcook, as this could lead to a dry casserole. If you’re using a glass dish, you might want to reduce the oven temperature slightly, as glass can hold heat more than metal and cause cooking to speed up.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother preparation process.

Casserole Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepared and at hand to speed up your cooking process.

Instructions

Before you start, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for the casserole to bake evenly.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Add Spinach and Seasoning

Stir in the chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach is wilted, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Mix in Other Ingredients

In the same skillet, add ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and cooked pasta to the beef and spinach mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

Layer and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing to ensure it holds its shape better.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. You can also make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, then just bake it when ready to serve.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Ground Beef and Spinach Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing, as trapping heat can lead to soggy leftovers. You can also freeze it for up to two months. To do this, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn. Reheating can be done in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F until heated through, or in the microwave for quick lunches.

When reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This helps the casserole warm evenly. If you want to prevent it from drying out during reheating, consider adding a splash of marinara sauce or a touch of milk over the top before covering it with foil and baking. This keeps the dish moist and delicious.

Customizations and Variations

Feel free to customize this casserole to suit your family’s tastes. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a hearty vegetable mix like mushrooms and bell peppers, which will also enhance the dish’s flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños along with the onions. You can also integrate different cheeses such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor variations.

For a lower-carb version, you could swap the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. This not only reduces carbs but adds extra veggies to the mix, maintaining the integrity of the dish. Just be cautious with the water content of vegetables like zucchini; you might need to bake it a little longer to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just ensure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.

→ What type of cheese can I use?

Aside from mozzarella, you can also use cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses for different flavor profiles.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.