I know how busy evenings can get, and sometimes you just need a quick, hearty meal. That’s why I’m sharing two of my favorite easy ground beef skillet dinner recipes today.
These meals come together fast, use simple ingredients, and are perfect for a weeknight. You’ll love how easy it is to get a delicious dinner on the table without a lot of fuss.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet Dinner Recipe
- 2. Easy Ground Beef And Spinach Skillet With Feta
Easy Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet Dinner Recipe
This beef and cabbage skillet is a simple one-pan meal that comes together quickly. It’s packed with flavor and makes a filling dinner with minimal cleanup.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Ground Beef and Cabbage
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef if you prefer, or drain any excess fat after browning to keep it lighter.
- Cabbage Prep: Chop your cabbage into even pieces so it cooks evenly and becomes tender at the same time.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the step of browning your beef and softening the onions; these steps build the base flavor.
What You Need for Cabbage Skillet
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Make sure to drain any extra fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it softens. Then, stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to wilt and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer to Finish
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender.
📝 Final Note
This skillet dinner makes great leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Easy Ground Beef And Spinach Skillet With Feta
This ground beef and spinach skillet with feta is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. It’s incredibly simple to make and full of fresh, vibrant tastes.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Beef and Spinach
- Fresh Spinach: Using fresh spinach is key here; it wilts down beautifully and adds a lot of goodness.
- Feta Cheese: Choose a good quality crumbled feta for the best salty, tangy flavor that really makes this dish stand out.
- Garlic Care: Be careful not to burn the minced garlic; add it after the onion has softened and cook just until fragrant.
What You Need for Spinach Skillet
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes or your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet
Step 1: Cook Beef and Onion
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any fat, then add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spinach
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until you can smell its aroma. Then, add the fresh spinach to the skillet a handful at a time, allowing each addition to wilt down before adding more.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Pour in the crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese until just combined.
📝 Final Note
This beef and spinach skillet is wonderful served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or over a bed of rice or pasta for a heartier meal.