Ground Beef and Spinach Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef & Spinach Casserole that combines savory browned beef, nutritious spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner with balanced flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Topping
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until evenly browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic fragrant. Stir in the thawed and drained spinach, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook together until warmed through and combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly, then layer with dollops of ricotta cheese, followed by shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and cheesy texture.
- Add the breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the cazserole for a crunchy, golden crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and part-skim cheeses.
- You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen; just be sure to cook and drain it thoroughly before adding.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give the casserole a mild heat.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set.
- Breadcrumb topping can be swapped with crushed crackers or panko for extra crunch.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, spinach casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, one dish meal
