This Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal! With juicy ground beef, fresh spinach, and salty feta, it’s packed with flavor and super easy to make.
You’ll love how quick this dinner comes together—perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy without the fuss. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The meat gives this dish a hearty base. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or chickpeas.
Spinach: Fresh spinach shines in this recipe! If you have frozen spinach, feel free to use that—just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a lovely tangy flavor. Can’t find it? Try goat cheese for a similar taste, or even ricotta for a creamier texture.
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but you can swap it for avocado oil or even butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor, based on your preference.
How Do I Properly Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic is crucial for building flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a medium heat on your stovetop. Too high, and the garlic might burn.
- Add the chopped onions first, and let them cook until they are soft and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the minced garlic. Only cook it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, to avoid bitterness.
- If the mix starts to stick, a splash of water or broth can help loosen things up without burning.
With these techniques, you’ll develop a delicious base for your skillet that enhances all the other flavors!
Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll have a meal ready in about 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help create a nice base for the flavors.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This adds a sweet flavor to your dish.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as that can make it taste bitter.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
5. Cook the Spinach:
Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it in and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. This will add a nice color and nutrition to your dish!
6. Add Feta and Lemon:
Remove your skillet from heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and drizzle with lemon juice if you wish. The feta will melt slightly, giving it a creamy texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the skillet warm, either on its own or alongside your favorite side like rice, quinoa, or some crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for a leaner option. Just cook them the same way as the ground beef, adjusting the seasoning to your taste!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach instead. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet to prevent sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative, and follow the rest of the instructions as usual.
