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Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta

Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta
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Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta is a quick, comforting, and nutrient-packed meal combining creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and lean ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (fresh preferred)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
  • 2 cups tomato sauce (marinara or crushed tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed to keep it light.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Spinach: Add minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until aromatic and translucent. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted and blended with the beef mixture.
  3. Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
  5. Combine and Add Ricotta: Reduce heat to low and fold ricotta cheese gently into the skillet mixture to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Serve with Parmesan: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose fresh ricotta cheese for better texture and creaminess.
  • Don’t overcook spinach; add just until wilted to retain color and nutrients.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering it down.
  • Season as you go: taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking.
  • Use sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne that hold sauce well.

Nutrition

Keywords: ricotta spinach beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, healthy beef pasta, one-pot pasta

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/ricotta-spinach-beef-pasta/