If you are looking for a warm and filling dinner, this Creamy Beef and Spinach Casserole is a perfect choice. It is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The beef is tender, the spinach is soft, and the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Every bite feels cozy and comforting. This is one of those easy meals with ground beef that you can make on a busy night. It is simple, hearty, and great for family dinners. You may even want to pin this one for later.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish and set it aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir so it does not burn.
- Add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain extra grease if needed.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well so the beef is evenly seasoned.
- Add chopped spinach to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and turns bright green.
- Lower the heat. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Turn off the heat. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not skip draining the grease after cooking the beef. Too much grease can make the casserole heavy. This is one of the most common issues in ground beef casserole recipes.
Avoid overcooking the spinach. It only needs a few minutes. If cooked too long, it can become dark and watery.
Do not bake it too long. Overbaking can dry out the creamy sauce. Keep an eye on the top and remove it once it is golden and bubbling.
Tips For Success
Use full fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. It melts better and gives a rich taste.
If you want more flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
This recipe is great when you need quick dinner ideas. You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and bake it later.
If you enjoy simple recipes using ground beef, you might also like this Mexican ground beef casserole with rice for a bold and filling meal.
How To Serve
This casserole is rich and creamy, so it pairs well with lighter sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli.
You can also spoon it over rice or pasta to stretch it further. It works well for dinner ideas with ground beef when you need to feed more people.
If you are exploring new things to make with ground beef, try serving this casserole with garlic bread for a full comfort meal.
Flavor Add In Ideas
Add sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra depth.
Stir in cooked pasta before baking to turn it into a heartier dish.
Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack for a mild twist.
If you enjoy creative ground beef dishes, you could also try this Southwest ground beef skillet with sweet potatoes for a colorful and bold option.
Creamy Beef and Spinach Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 F and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
- Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Add half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead And Storage
You can prepare the beef and spinach mixture up to one day in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready to bake, add cheese on top and place it in the oven.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
This recipe is perfect for lazy dinners when you want something easy but homemade. It is also one of those smart things to do with ground beef when you have some in the fridge and need a simple plan.
If you like baked comfort meals, you may also enjoy this sheet pan ground beef pot pie or this savory ground beef Philly cheesesteaks recipe for more tasty options.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Thaw it first and squeeze out extra water. Too much liquid can make the casserole watery.
Can I make this casserole low carb?
Yes. This recipe is already low in carbs since it has no pasta or rice. Just serve it with vegetables for a light meal.
Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Spinach Casserole?
Yes. Let it cool fully, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The texture may be slightly softer, but it will still taste creamy and delicious.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Spinach Casserole is warm, creamy, and full of simple flavor. It is one of those ground hamburger recipes that you will come back to again and again. It is easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights, and great for sharing. If you enjoyed this recipe, save it and share it on Pinterest so you can find it anytime you need a cozy dinner idea.