Speedy Beef Spinach Pasta Powerhouse

Recipe Introduction

Need a Speedy Dinner?

Ever get home after a long day and just think, "Ugh, what's for dinner?". Honestly, I've been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.

That's when this quick beef mince and spinach pasta recipe comes to the rescue. It's proper tasty and ready faster than you can say "takeaway!".

Pasta Perfection in Minutes

This dish isn't some fancy Italian masterpiece. It's a humble, easy ground beef recipe that's all about getting a good, hearty meal on the table fast.

We're talking about a 30 minute meal situation here. It's inspired by simple comfort food and is great for a family dinner ideas .

Yields 4 satisfying servings.

Superfood Powerhouse

Spinach is the unsung hero! This recipe sneaks in a good dose of iron and vitamins. Plus, it's a budget friendly meal .

So, you're feeding your family something healthy and delicious without breaking the bank. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and flavor combo - a winner every time!

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this speedy pasta recipes a reality... Get your ingredients ready for making this quick weeknight dinners .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Speedy Beef & Spinach Pasta Powerhouse

So, you wanna whip up some quick beef mince and spinach magic? Ace! Let’s get this sorted! No stress, I promise this easy ground beef recipe is simpler than figuring out UK train fares.

Honestly, this is a family favourite, even my picky eater loves it.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Okay, here’s the lowdown on what you'll need. Grab your notepad, or just screenshot this bit. We're aiming for a hearty 30 minute meal , so let's not dawdle!

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . Extra virgin is posh, but regular is fine.
• Lean Beef Mince: 1 pound (450g) . Look for bright red mince with very little visible fat.
• Onion: 1 medium . Finely chopped. Brown onions work great.
• Garlic: 2 cloves . Minced. Fresh is best.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) (411g) can , undrained.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) (425g) can . Passata works too!
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a tiny kick, if you're feeling brave.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Go easy at first, you can always add more.
• Pasta: 10 ounces (283g) . Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta you fancy.
• Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces (142g) . Roughly chopped.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup , grated (optional).

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

The spices are seriously where the flavor's at! This is where the dish goes from decent to banging.

• Oregano and basil are your essential spice combinations here. They give it that Italian vibe.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes brightens things up. If you're spice averse, leave it out.
• No fresh garlic? Garlic powder works in a pinch. About ½ teaspoon should do it.
• Don't forget salt and pepper ! Seasoning is key.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No need for fancy kit. A quick weeknight dinners need tools you probably already have.

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef and making the sauce.
• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.

Honestly, that's it! No need to get your fancy gadgets out. So simple even I can do it without setting the kitchen on fire.

Speaking of fire, make sure to keep the heat medium high when browning the beef. That way, you get a nice sear! This healthy beef and spinach recipe is a winner for sure!.

I remember the first time I made this! My sauce was so watery! I learned the hard way to drain excess grease from the beef mince.

Learn from my mistakes!.

Cooking Method: Speedy Beef & Spinach Pasta Powerhouse

Craving a quick weeknight dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor? This easy ground beef recipe for quick beef mince and spinach pasta is a lifesaver.

Seriously, it's faster than ordering takeout and way more satisfying. I remember one time, I was so tired after a long day.

I threw this together in under 30 minutes and it saved the day. So, ditch the guilt and embrace this 30 minute meal .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key. Chop that onion, mince the garlic, and roughly chop your spinach. Honestly, having everything ready makes this process so much smoother.

It's like having your music playlist cued up before a workout you're just ready to go . Time saving organization tip: measure out your spices beforehand.

Safety first: Keep your chopping board stable to avoid any nicks.

step-by-step: From Hob to Table in Minutes

1. Cook the pasta in salted water. Follow package directions for al dente. That’s about 8- 10 minutes , depending on the pasta. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium high heat . Break it up with a spoon until browned. Drain any grease.
3. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes . Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (optional). Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes .
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes . Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
6. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta Game

• Expert Technique: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. Brown it in batches for a richer flavor.
• Common Mistake: Overcooking the pasta! Aim for al dente it should still have a slight bite.
• If you are thinking in Budget friendly meals , try to add lentils in place of some mince.

And there you have it! Dinner served in record time. This healthy beef and spinach recipe is now in your arsenal of family dinner ideas . Now go and enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own

Hey there, fellow food lover! This quick beef mince and spinach is super flexible. Let's chat about making it perfect for you!

Serve It Up!

Okay, so you've got this delicious pasta. How should you plate it? I like a rustic bowl, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

Fancy? Drizzle a little olive oil. Side dishes? Garlic bread, obviously! A simple green salad works too. For drinks, think a nice Chianti or even a cheeky glass of Pinot Grigio.

You know? Something easy! For the kid, just a glass of water would be enough.

Storage Savvy

Right, so leftovers! Honestly, sometimes it tastes even better the next day. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days .

Freezing? Sure! Divide into portions and freeze for up to three months . Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Add a splash of water if it seems dry. Important: Ensure it's piping hot (at least 165° F/ 74° C ) before serving.

Remixing the Recipe

Want to switch things up? Totally get it. Need a dietary adaptation ? Easy! Sub the beef for lentils for a vegetarian version.

Loads of flavor, trust me. Watching the carbs? Try using zucchini noodles instead of pasta. And seasonal ingredient swaps ? In the summer, add some chopped fresh tomatoes.

In winter, maybe some roasted butternut squash.

Nutrition Nuggets

I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. This is a pretty balanced meal. You've got protein from the beef, vitamins from the spinach, and carbs from the pasta.

Spinach is full of iron. Ground beef is a great source of protein. The combination makes this recipe a healthy beef and spinach option.

Just be mindful of portion sizes!

This recipe is so amazing for quick weeknight dinners . Trust me, you'll be making this beef mince pasta recipe for your family for years to come! And before you know it, you will have amazing ideas for more easy ground beef recipes , that you could prepare in less than 30 minute meals with simple one-pot pasta recipes .

Enjoy one of the most budget friendly meals you can find for a family dinner ideas !

Honestly, don't stress about getting it perfect . Cooking should be fun! Throw on some music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the process. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this quick beef mince and spinach recipe really as fast as it sounds? I'm a bit skeptical!

Absolutely! We're talking about a weeknight dinner hero here. The beauty of this quick beef mince and spinach pasta is that it's designed for speed. Browning the mince, building the sauce, and wilting the spinach are all quick processes, getting dinner on the table in around 30 minutes faster than ordering a takeaway!

Can I freeze leftover quick beef mince and spinach pasta? I always end up making too much!

Good on you for planning ahead! Yes, you can freeze it. Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

I don't have fresh spinach; can I use frozen in this quick beef mince and spinach dish?

No worries, frozen spinach is a perfectly acceptable substitute! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce. Otherwise, your sauce might become a bit watery. About 5 ounces (142g) fresh spinach equates to roughly half of 10 ounce of frozen.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any ways to make this recipe even more nutritious?

Definitely! Use extra lean beef mince to reduce the fat content. You could also swap out half of the pasta for whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber. Adding some extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini when you sauté the onions is another easy way to boost the nutrients.

Can I add any other vegetables to this quick beef mince and spinach pasta? I'm trying to sneak more veggies into my kids' diets!

Absolutely, be sneaky! Finely diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms would blend right in. You could even grate some carrot into the sauce; they'll practically disappear. The key is to chop them small so they cook quickly and don't change the texture of the dish too much.

My sauce always seems a little bland. How can I boost the flavor of this quick beef mince and spinach?

A little extra flavour goes a long way! Try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes for a richer, more concentrated tomato flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add some umami depth.

And don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) at the end it makes all the difference! A bay leaf added while simmering can also do wonders.