There’s nothing quite like lasagna to bring everyone to the table. This hearty yet wholesome beef and spinach lasagna offers layers of tender pasta sheets, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and the goodness of fresh spinach.

beef and spinach lasagna recipe​

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a slice of classic Italian comfort food, this recipe will hit the spot.

Read on to learn how to create the perfect beef and spinach lasagna in your own kitchen. By the end, you'll have a dish that balances indulgence and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and spinach lasagna isn’t just your average lasagna. Here’s what makes it special:

  • Rich Flavor Layers: A savory beef marinara sauce pairs perfectly with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella.
  • Nutrient Boost: Adding spinach gives this recipe an extra dose of vitamins without overpowering the classic flavors.
  • Family-Friendly: Even the picky eaters will get their greens in without noticing!
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for weeknight dinners or leftovers.

Now that you know what’s in store, let's jump into the details.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have everything on hand. Here’s your shopping list for 8 hearty servings:

For the Beef Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20 blend)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (can substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for a flavor boost)

For the Spinach:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions (or use oven-ready lasagna sheets)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Marinara Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to develop its flavors.

2. Make the Cheese Mixture

  • While the sauce simmers, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and nutmeg (if using) in a large bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Spinach

  • If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 1 minute, drain, and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels.
  • If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and any excess liquid is squeezed out.
  • Stir the prepared spinach into the cheese mixture.

4. Prep the Lasagna Noodles

  • If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
  • If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step!

5. Assemble the Lasagna

Now for the fun part! Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and layer your lasagna as follows:

  1. Spread a thin layer of the beef sauce across the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Lay down 4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping.
  3. Spread 1/3 of the cheese and spinach mixture over the noodles.
  4. Add 1/3 of the beef sauce on top.
  5. Sprinkle with a handful of mozzarella.
  6. Repeat the layers (noodles → cheese mixture → sauce → mozzarella) until you've used all ingredients, ending with a layer of beef sauce topped generously with mozzarella.

6. Bake to Perfection

  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Garnish and Serve

  • Scatter some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm alongside a simple salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna

  • Prevent Soggy Layers: Make sure to drain your spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
  • Make it Meaty (or Meat-Free!): Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer. For vegetarians, skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Prep Ahead: Assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate it uncooked. Simply bake when ready to serve.
  • Freeze for Later: This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Bringing Flavor and Family Together

There’s something undeniably comforting about pulling a perfectly golden, bubbling lasagna from the oven. It’s a dish that’s meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed by everyone, no matter the occasion. With its flavorful layers and nutritious twist, this beef and spinach lasagna is destined to become a household favorite.

Are you ready to give it a try? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start creating a meal that will bring smiles to the table. Trust us, this is one recipe you'll return to time and time again.

Happy cooking and boon appetite!

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