This Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal that’s quick to make! With seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, and creamy feta cheese, it’s delightful and filling.
You can whip this up in no time! I love how it all cooks together and makes clean-up a breeze. Plus, the cheese just adds that extra yum factor! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses lean ground beef for a hearty protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken would be great alternatives. They give a slightly different flavor but still work well!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect for this dish, but you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it well before adding. You can also try kale or Swiss chard if you want to mix it up.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a lovely tang. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese is a great substitute. Even shredded mozzarella can work if you want a milder cheese.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is nice for flavor, but any neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil, can be used too. If you want to add a hint of flavor, avocado oil is a solid choice.
How Do I Cook the Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef might seem simple, but to get it just right, follow these tips:
- Use a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps achieve that lovely browned color.
- Break up the meat as it cooks with a spatula, ensuring even cooking. You want small, crumbly pieces.
- Cook until fully browned and no pink remains for safety and best flavor—about 6-8 minutes.
Once it’s cooked, seasoning it well with herbs and spices while it cooks will enhance the overall flavor of your dish!
Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. In just about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, this should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks and stir occasionally until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Season the Meat:
Once the beef is cooked, season it with the dried oregano, ground cumin, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together so the meat is well seasoned.
4. Cook the Spinach:
Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet and stir it in, cooking until it’s just wilted, which should take around 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to be vibrant and bright green.
5. Final Touches:
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the mixture, giving it a good stir to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. For an extra zing, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice on it if you’d like!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Garnish your skillet with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This dish can be enjoyed on its own, or with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just note that the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid a watery dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Can I Serve This Skillet Dish With?
This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. A side salad can make it a well-rounded meal!
