Description
Craving a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition? This One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate weeknight solution. With just one pan, minimal ingredients, and under 30 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a hearty, protein-packed meal the whole family will love. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you just need comforting food fast. Packed with lean beef, tender pasta shells, vibrant spinach, and juicy tomatoes, this easy recipe hits all the marks for quick dinners, healthy food ideas, and delicious, fuss-free meals. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, easy one-pot meals, or a healthy pasta option, this dish belongs in your rotation.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cups water or low-sodium broth
2 cups uncooked pasta shells
3 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Drain any excess fat from the beef, if necessary.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add water or broth. Stir to combine.
6. Add the uncooked pasta shells and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Once pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with fresh herbs or grated cheese.
Notes
Use a wide, deep skillet to ensure even cooking and avoid overflow.
If using gluten-free pasta, reduce cook time slightly and watch texture carefully.
Let the dish rest a couple of minutes before serving for the sauce to thicken perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups (approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy dinner, one pan pasta, healthy ground beef pasta, quick pasta recipe, dinner ideas, one pot meal