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If you're searching for a comforting and nutritious dish that the whole family will love, look no further than the Cheesy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake. This hearty casserole combines tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey cheese. It's a true crowd-pleaser that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful gathering.

Cheesy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore? This Cheesy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake checks all the boxes! With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and vibrant spinach enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey cheese, its the ultimate comforting casserole. Perfect for busy nights or gatherings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Save this recipe for later and get ready for a cozy meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)

1 lb (450g) ground beef

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

        Add Spinach: Once the beef is cooked and no longer pink, stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

            Prepare for Baking: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

              Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve warm.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Servings: 6