Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
One-Pot Convenience: Simplifies cooking and cleanup.
Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.
Family-Friendly: Appeals to both adults and children with its comforting flavors.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or pasta types.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cartons (32 ounces each) reduced-sodium beef broth
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green pepper, celery, and onion, undrained
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
4 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

In a 6-quart stockpot, cook the ground beef and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks; drain excess fat.
Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried basil, dried oregano, pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the uncooked bow tie pasta to the pot. Return to a boil and cook, uncovered, until the pasta is tender, approximately 7–9 minutes.
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Pasta Alternatives: Use different pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or macaroni.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add additional flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.

FAQs

What type of ground beef should I use?

For a balance of flavor and reduced fat, use ground beef with 85% lean meat. Leaner options like 90% can also be used for a healthier version.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the bow tie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make the soup gluten-free.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Thaw and drain it before adding to the soup to prevent excess water.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

Can I add beans to this soup?

Certainly. Adding beans like cannellini or kidney beans can increase the protein and fiber content.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente and avoid overcooking. If storing leftovers, you may consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or macaroni.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and nutrition to your table. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to warm you up, this soup is sure to satisfy.