This Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal! With flavorful ground beef, fresh spinach, and creamy feta cheese, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef to cut down on fat or even ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try crumbled tempeh or a plant-based meat substitute.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, as it wilts nicely. If you don’t have fresh on hand, frozen spinach works too—just remember to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a nice tang. You can swap it for goat cheese or even crumbled ricotta for a softer texture. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese that crumbles.
Onion and Garlic: These add foundational flavors. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can work in a pinch, though fresh really brings the dish to life!
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic is crucial for building flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to prevent burning. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers, then add the onions.
- Sauté the onions until they’re translucent (about 3-4 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once the onions are soft, add garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant; be careful not to let it brown!
This technique helps create a rich base for your skillet dish. Enjoy those delicious aromas as they fill your kitchen!
Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves (about 5-6 oz)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, so you can have dinner ready in around 25 minutes! Just one skillet, and you get a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add in the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. You want it to be soft and fragrant!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until it fills your kitchen with that delicious aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off to keep the dish from being too greasy.
4. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle in some salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
5. Add Spinach:
Time to add all that lovely spinach! Stir it in and keep cooking until it wilts down, which should take about 3-4 minutes. It will shrink a lot, so don’t worry if it looks like too much at first!
6. Incorporate Feta:
Remove the skillet from heat, and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. The warmth from the dish will soften the feta a bit, making it creamy and delicious!
7. Finish with Lemon (Optional):
If you’d like, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the skillet for a bright, fresh finish. Stir it lightly to mix.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm beef and spinach skillet right away, and feel free to garnish with extra feta if you’re like me and can’t get enough of that cheesy goodness!
This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up all the flavors or can be served over cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, and you can still follow the same cooking instructions for the rest of the recipe.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese for a similar tanginess, or try ricotta for a creamier texture. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan feta that will crumble nicely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just be sure to cook them until tender before adding the spinach so everything blends nicely!
