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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can compete with a delightful pasta bake. The Cheesy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake strikes the perfect balance between hearty and nutritious, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings. This dish combines tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. With its layers of flavor and texture, this pasta bake is not just a meal; it's a celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together in harmony.

Cheesy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake! This hearty dish combines tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it balances nutrition with delicious flavors. With easy-to-follow preparation steps, garnishing ideas, and serving suggestions, this pasta bake is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

3 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz / 425 g) crushed tomatoes

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for about 3 minutes or until soft. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

        Add Seasonings and Spinach: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chopped spinach, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are heated through.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

            Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

              Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

                Let it Rest: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6 servings