Burger Baked Penne with Spinach
Indulge in a hearty and comforting dinner with this Burger Baked Penne with Spinach recipe—a satisfying blend of flavors that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with a rich homemade meat sauce made from ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and fragrant garlic, this dish is elevated by the addition of fresh baby spinach and creamy ricotta cheese. Topped with a decadent layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this baked pasta casserole is baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Ready in just an hour, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Serve it straight from the oven with a garnish of fresh basil and a side of crusty garlic bread for a truly comforting meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add baby spinach to the skillet. Stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 202.8 g | 260% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.3 g | 446% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 672 mg | 224% | |
| Sodium | 5306 mg | 231% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 334.4 g | 122% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.6 g | 106% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.7 g | ||
| Protein | 232.3 g | 465% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3423 mg | 263% | |
| Iron | 31.2 mg | 173% | |
| Potassium | 4250 mg | 90% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
