Name: Ground Beef Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

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Table of Contents: Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

Looking for a warm, satisfying dish that pleases picky eaters and health-conscious diners alike? This Ground Beef Spinach Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich in flavor, easy on the wallet, and made with wholesome ingredients your whole family will love.

Introduction: Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

Few meals strike the perfect balance between comfort, nutrition, and simplicity quite like this Ground Beef Spinach Casserole. It’s a cozy, one-dish wonder that transforms humble ingredients into a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, hosting a family Sunday dinner, or bringing a dish to a holiday potluck, this casserole fits right in. With layers of savory ground beef, tender spinach, melty cheese, and a velvety dairy base, it’s the kind of dinner that brings people to the table with smiles.

What makes this healthy ground beef recipes favorite so special is its heartiness without the heaviness. Spinach brings fiber, iron, and essential vitamins (hello, vitamin A and K!), while sour cream and cream of celery soup add a luxurious creaminess without requiring a roux or complicated techniques. It’s one of the best spinach casserole recipes we’ve tested—no mystery ingredients, just real food, real flavor, and real satisfaction.

Perfect for easy dinner ideas, this casserole is also a freezer-friendly hero. Make it ahead, portion it out, or double the batch for future meals. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or celebrating a special moment during the holidays, this Ground Beef Spinach Casserole proves that wholesome, homemade meals don’t have to be time-consuming.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this beloved dish under other names like:
– Creamy Ground Beef and Spinach Bake
– Beefy Spinach Casserole
– Cheesy Spinach and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole
– One-Pan Beef Spinach Hotdish

Variations include swapping cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom or chicken, or using cottage cheese instead of sour cream for a tangier twist. Adding rice or quinoa makes a heartier, easy comfort food for family dinners that stretches the serving count—ideal for healthy ground beef recipes on a budget.

Ingredients: Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

– 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended for less grease)
– 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
– 1 large garlic clove, freshly minced (or 2 if you love bold flavor)

– 1 (10-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, well-drained
– 1 teaspoon high-quality dried oregano
– 2 dashes cayenne or Tabasco hot pepper sauce (adjust to taste)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to season (start with ¾ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper)
– 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed to remove excess moisture

– 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup (undiluted)
– 1 cup full-fat sour cream (for richness and tang)
– 1 (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh is best, but pre-shredded works too)

– Optional garnish: Freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Pro Tip: Always squeeze thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel—this keeps your casserole from becoming watery, a common issue in spinach casserole recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

3. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, mix in the drained mushrooms, dried oregano, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning—this step builds the flavor base.

4. Drain spinach thoroughly: Even after thawing, spinach retains water. Place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every drop. This prevents a soggy casserole—essential for perfect texture.

5. Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl: Add the cooked beef-mushroom mixture, drained spinach, cream of celery soup, sour cream, and half the mozzarella cheese. Mix gently until fully combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the spinach tender.

6. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread evenly with a spatula.

7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.

9. Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra pepper flakes for color and flavor. Serve hot with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Chef Tip: For extra richness, stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan to the filling before transferring to the dish.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Ground Beef Spinach Casserole takes only 15 minutes to prep, bakes in 30, and delivers 4 generous servings—perfect for an easy dinner ideas night. Total time is about 45 minutes, making it ideal for a quick yet impressive family meal. Each serving contains approximately 420 calories, 28g of protein, and 24g of fat, with a balanced mix of dairy, vegetables, and lean meat. It’s a well-rounded choice among healthy ground beef recipes, offering fiber from spinach, calcium from dairy, and satisfying protein from beef—all in one comforting dish.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Ground Beef Spinach Casserole stands out because it delivers rich, homestyle comfort without relying on processed shortcuts like cheese sauces or heavy creams. Instead, it uses real ingredients—sour cream for tang, mushrooms for umami, spinach for nutrition, and cheese for gooey perfection. The combination of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy notes makes it universally loved, even by kids.

What makes this truly one of the best easy comfort food for family dinners is its flexibility. Use it as a base for leftovers: spoon into baked potatoes, layer into tacos, or serve over rice. For spinach casserole recipes with a veggie boost, try mixing in diced zucchini or chopped bell peppers. And because it uses minimal prep and one pot (plus a bowl), cleanup is a breeze.

Long-time fans love that it’s also a make-ahead meal champion—ideal for busy parents, caregivers, or anyone juggling life’s demands. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy night in, this casserole wraps your loved ones in flavor and warmth.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Ground Beef Spinach Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—making it one of the top easy dinner ideas for meal preppers.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen), then warm in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or microwave in 2-minute intervals until hot throughout. For best texture, avoid overcooking, which can make the spinach rubbery. Adding a splash of milk to the leftovers while reheating helps restore creaminess. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or from the freezer, this healthy ground beef recipes favorite holds up beautifully.

People Also Ask: Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

How do you make ground beef and spinach casserole?

To make ground beef and spinach casserole, start by browning ground beef with onions, mushrooms, and seasonings in a skillet. Sauté until tender, then mix with drained frozen spinach, cream of celery soup, sour cream, and cheese. Spread into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. This healthy ground beef recipes staple is a simple, one-bowl mixture that bakes into a creamy, savory casserole. It’s among the most popular spinach casserole recipes because it’s foolproof—no roux, no whisking, just mix, bake, and enjoy as a hearty easy dinner idea.

Is ground beef and spinach casserole healthy?

Yes, ground beef and spinach casserole can be a nutritious meal when made with quality ingredients. Lean ground beef provides protein and iron, while spinach adds fiber, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants. Using low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess. Portion-controlled servings make this healthy ground beef recipes option balanced, especially when paired with a side salad or whole grain. While rich in dairy, it delivers essential nutrients and comfort without processed additives. Moderation and mindful serving sizes ensure it fits into a wholesome diet—perfect for easy dinner ideas that nourish the whole family.

Can you freeze ground beef spinach casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze ground beef spinach casserole for up to 3 months. Bake, cool completely, then slice into portions or freeze the whole dish. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil, or use airtight containers. Label with the date. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a 350°F oven for best results. This makes it an excellent spinach casserole recipes choice for meal prep and easy dinner ideas on busy nights. Freezer-storage quality remains high due to the moisture barrier of cheese and dairy—this healthy ground beef recipes favorite was practically made for leftovers.

What ingredients are in ground beef spinach casserole?

Ground beef spinach casserole includes lean ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, dried oregano, hot pepper sauce, seasoning, frozen chopped spinach, cream of celery soup, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella. The star ingredients are simple, wholesome, and flavorful—no artificial fillers. Spinach adds nutrition, mushrooms deepen savoriness, and sour cream gives a creamy tang. This healthy ground beef recipes classic combines for a rich, satisfying dish. It’s a fantastic example of easy comfort food for family dinners, beloved in spinach casserole recipes because of its balance, ease, and universal appeal.

Conclusion: Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling casserole fresh from the oven—especially when it’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and ease. This Ground Beef Spinach Casserole earns its place on your weekly rotation not just for its taste, but for the way it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or a holiday dinner, this dish delivers warm memories and full bellies.

We’d love to hear how yours turns out! Tag us in a photo, leave a comment, or share your favorite variation. Did you add cheese on top halfway through? Swap in cottage cheese for sour cream? Let’s build a community of home cooks who believe that simple meals can be extraordinary.

Make this healthy ground beef recipes favorite tonight—you won’t regret it.