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.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Add baby spinach to the skillet. Stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2411.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4001.1

Total Fat 202.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 672.5mg	0%
Sodium 5306.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 334.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.6g	0%
Total Sugars 32.7g
Protein 232.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3422.9mg	0%
Iron 31.2mg	0%
Potassium 4249.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.6%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 32.7%