One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna
A comforting one-pot lasagna combining savory ground beef, tender spinach, and melted cheese layers for an easy, hearty dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 9 sheets no-boil lasagna noodles
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop the sauce.
- Step 4: Pour 2 cups water over the sauce and arrange 3 no-boil lasagna noodles on top, breaking them to fit if needed. Spread half of 4 cups fresh spinach leaves evenly.
- Step 5: Dollop half of 1 cup ricotta cheese over the spinach and sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 6: Repeat layering with 3 noodles, remaining spinach, remaining ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Step 7: Top with the last 3 noodles and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 8: Cover skillet with a lid or foil and cook over low heat for 25 minutes until noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
- Step 9: Remove cover and let stand 5 minutes before serving to thicken.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
