Name: One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or canned, with juice); 8 ounces small pasta shells; 2½ cups water or broth (as needed to cover pasta); 2 cups fresh spinach, packed

I love meals that come together in a single pan—less cleanup, more flavor, and the kind of comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. That’s exactly why I turn to this One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta when I need something satisfying yet nourishing. It’s packed with protein-rich ground beef, vibrant greens, and tender pasta shells that soak up every bit of flavor from the simple yet robust tomato base. And best of all, everything comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.

This dish is one of my weeknight heroes. I’ve made it countless times—sometimes with spinach, other times with kale or arugula, depending on what’s in the fridge. It’s incredibly adaptable, kid-approved, and makes great leftovers. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want something hearty and quick, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta

This pasta dish is the perfect blend of cozy and clean eating. It’s high in protein, filled with fiber from the greens, and doesn’t rely on heavy cream or cheese to be flavorful. Because it’s made in one pan, the pasta absorbs all the goodness from the beef and tomatoes, giving you maximum taste with minimum effort. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this one’s going to be a staple.

What Type of Ground Beef Works Best for This Pasta?

When I make this One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta, I usually go for lean ground beef, around 90/10 or even 93/7. This keeps the dish lighter and healthier, without sacrificing the rich, meaty flavor. You still get that satisfying taste and texture, but with less grease pooling in the pan. If you go with a fattier cut, just be sure to drain off the excess fat before adding the rest of the ingredients. Want to level it up nutritionally? You can also mix half beef and half ground turkey or chicken.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t hesitate to swap based on what you have or your dietary needs:

Ground Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Pasta: Shells work great, but penne, rotini, or whole wheat pasta are solid choices too. Gluten-free? Go with chickpea or lentil pasta.
Greens: I love spinach here, but kale, arugula, or Swiss chard work just as well. Even frozen spinach in a pinch.
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add brightness, but canned diced tomatoes (low-sodium if preferred) are totally fine.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust herbs like oregano or basil, or toss in some crushed red pepper for heat.

No matter the tweaks, the one-pan method keeps it simple and tasty.

Ingredients for This One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta

Ground Beef – The heart of the dish, adding rich flavor and protein. I recommend using lean ground beef to keep it lighter.
Pasta Shells – Small shells are perfect because they hold onto the meat and sauce so well, creating a hearty bite every time.
Fresh Tomatoes – They provide brightness, moisture, and a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the beef.
Spinach – Adds a fresh, nutritious element and a pop of color. It wilts perfectly into the dish without overpowering it.
Onion – Brings sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic – A key flavor builder that infuses the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing, adding healthy fat and flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the beef and balancing the overall dish.
Italian Seasoning – A simple mix of dried herbs that gives this pasta that classic, comforting taste.
Water or Broth – Used to cook the pasta right in the pan, which infuses it with flavor and reduces cleanup.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes. Let them simmer for a couple of minutes with the beef so the flavors start to blend together. If you’re using canned tomatoes, you can include a bit of their juice for extra flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Same Pan

Pour in your pasta shells and add enough water or broth to just barely cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender while soaking in all that savory goodness.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish

When the pasta is nearly done and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly in the heat—just a minute or two. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once everything is well combined and heated through, you’re ready to serve.

How Long to Cook the One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics takes roughly 8–10 minutes, while cooking the pasta in the same pan takes another 10–12 minutes depending on the type of pasta used. The final step—wilting the spinach—adds just a couple more minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but feels like a cozy, homemade meal.

Tips for Perfect One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta

Use a deep skillet or sauté pan: Since you’re cooking pasta and liquid directly in the same pan, you’ll need enough depth to avoid overflow.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the liquid. You want it absorbed by the time the pasta is just al dente—taste as you go!
Deglaze for flavor: After browning the beef, if you see browned bits on the bottom of the pan, add a splash of broth or water to lift that flavor right into the dish.
Fresh or canned tomatoes both work: Use what you have, but fresh tomatoes add extra brightness and texture.
Add greens at the end: Spinach wilts quickly, so stir it in just before serving to keep its vibrant color and nutrients.
Customize the seasoning: Feel free to add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
Let it rest for a minute: Allow the pasta to sit off heat for a minute or two before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and flavors meld beautifully.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Not draining excess fat: If you use a higher-fat ground beef and skip draining the grease, the dish can turn out oily and heavy. Lean beef helps, but if your pan has excess fat, spoon it out before adding tomatoes.
Overcooking the pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the liquid, it can go from perfectly al dente to mushy fast. Stir occasionally and start checking a minute or two before the suggested time.
Skipping the seasoning layers: Don’t wait until the end to season. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while browning the meat to infuse the dish with flavor.
Using too much liquid: Adding too much water or broth can leave the pasta soupy instead of saucy. Start with just enough to cover the pasta and add more only if needed.
Adding greens too early: Spinach wilts in seconds, so add it right at the end to keep its color and prevent it from turning slimy.

What to Serve With One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta?

Simple Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing way to balance the savory richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

For those who love a carb-on-carb combo, a slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce left in the bowl.

Grated Parmesan or Pecorino

Even though this dish is healthy, a sprinkle of fresh cheese adds a luxurious touch right before serving.

Quick Cucumber Salad

A tangy cucumber salad with vinegar and dill brings a cool crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm pasta.

A Glass of Red Wine

If you’re looking to elevate the dinner vibe, a light red like Pinot Noir complements the beef without overpowering it.

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

Want to add more veggies to the meal? A side of broccoli is easy and pairs naturally with the Italian flavors.

Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes

Sweet, concentrated roasted tomatoes make a great topping or side, especially if you’re using canned tomatoes in the main dish.

Storage Instructions

This One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta holds up really well for leftovers, making it a great meal prep option.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more after a night in the fridge.
Freezer: You can freeze it too! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving – based on 4 servings total)

Calories: 410
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 390mg
Cholesterol: 65mg

These numbers can vary depending on your choice of pasta, beef, and whether you add cheese or other toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

I prefer small pasta shells because they soak up the sauce and hug the ground beef perfectly. However, penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni also work well in a one-pan method.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or lentils. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for extra heartiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind, cooking times may vary slightly, so check the texture as it cooks.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?

Stir the dish every few minutes while the pasta is cooking, especially early on. Using enough liquid and keeping the heat at a low simmer helps too.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to avoid watering down the dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just make sure your pan is big enough to hold everything. You might also need to slightly increase the cooking time and liquid.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary or marjoram. Or just use whatever dried herbs you enjoy.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Of course! While it’s great without it, a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving adds a creamy, savory finish.

Conclusion

This One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta is everything I love in a home-cooked meal—simple, satisfying, and flexible enough to make your own. Whether you’re squeezing dinner into a busy night or looking to prep something wholesome for the week, this dish comes through every single time. It’s family-friendly, flavorful, and clean-up is a breeze. One pan, one big bowl of comfort, and so much flavor packed into every bite.