Ground Beef & Spinach Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef & Spinach Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with flavorful beef, nutritious spinach, and creamy cheeses, it comes together easily for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the thawed, drained spinach, diced tomatoes, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through and well combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap out mozzarella for provolone for a different cheese flavor.
• If fresh spinach is available, use about 4 cups chopped and sauté it before mixing to reduce moisture.
• For a lower-carb option, omit the breadcrumbs or replace them with crushed pork rinds.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used. Use about 4 cups chopped and sauté it first until wilted to remove excess moisture before mixing into the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Ground Beef & Spinach Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

This Ground Beef & Spinach Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining savory ground beef, nutritious spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Layered with Italian seasoning and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it bakes to golden perfection, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

Cheeses & Seasonings

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped medium onion and minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the thawed and drained frozen spinach, diced tomatoes from the can, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes until it is heated through and the flavors meld together.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and spinach mixture evenly into it. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crunchy topping.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly before serving warm. This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or warm crusty bread.

Notes

• Make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• You can substitute fresh spinach if preferred; just be sure to cook it down and drain excess liquid before using.
• For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, assembled and refrigerated, then baked before serving.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, spinach casserole, baked casserole, Italian casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole