Whip Up a Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet in Just 30 Minutes!

Craving a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner? Look no further than this irresistible Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta! This one-pan wonder combines savory ground beef, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese for a meal that’s both satisfying and good for you. Perfect for busy weeknights, this skillet dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy choice for a healthy family dinner.

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Ingredients That Pack a Punch of Flavor and Nutrition

The key ingredients in this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet are both delicious and nutrient-dense. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special:

• Ground Beef: A versatile and protein-packed protein source, ground beef provides essential amino acids, iron, and B vitamins to fuel your body. Look for lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier.
• Fresh Spinach: Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. The fresh, vibrant leaves wilt down beautifully in the skillet.
• Olive Oil: This heart-healthy fat adds richness and helps the vegetables sauté to perfection. Olive oil is full of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic veggies provide a flavorful base and contribute their own nutritional benefits, like vitamin C and antimicrobial properties.
• Dried Oregano and Paprika: These spices lend warmth, earthiness, and a touch of heat to the dish, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy, salty punch and a creamy texture. Feta is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.
• Fresh Parsley: The final garnish of chopped parsley brightens up the dish with its fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Cooking the Perfect Skillet

To prepare this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large Skillet: Choose a 12-inch or larger non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan for ample room to cook the ingredients.
• Spatula: A sturdy, heat-resistant spatula is perfect for breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Ensure you have a sharp knife and stable cutting board to quickly chop the onion, garlic, and spinach.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Skillet Perfection

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet in no time:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add the olive oil to the empty side. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Spinach and Seasonings: Combine the beef and onions, then add the chopped spinach, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted.
4. Finish with Feta: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Gently stir to incorporate the feta.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with the freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over a variety of bases for a more substantial meal:

• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles
• Roasted or mashed potatoes
• A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side

Variations and Substitutions to Try

While the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet is already a flavor-packed dish, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Vegetable Additions: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions for extra nutrition and texture.
• Cheese Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, substitute the feta with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese.
• Seasoning Switches: Try Italian seasoning, chili powder, or cumin in place of the oregano and paprika.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. A single serving provides:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 3g

The combination of lean ground beef, nutrient-dense spinach, and creamy feta cheese makes this skillet dish a well-balanced meal. The protein and iron from the beef, the vitamins and minerals from the spinach, and the calcium and probiotics from the feta all work together to support overall health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I cook ground beef in a skillet?

Yes, cooking ground beef in a skillet is the best method for this recipe. The skillet allows the beef to brown and develop a nice, flavorful crust while breaking it up into small, bite-sized pieces.

When should I add spinach to ground beef?

In this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet recipe, you’ll add the chopped spinach towards the end of the cooking process, after the beef and onions have been cooked. This allows the spinach to wilt down quickly without overcooking.

What meat goes best with feta?

Feta cheese pairs exceptionally well with ground beef, as seen in this skillet dish. The tangy, salty feta complements the savory, umami-rich flavor of the ground beef. Other meats that work well with feta include lamb, chicken, and pork.

Are spinach and feta a good combination?

Absolutely! Spinach and feta are a classic flavor pairing that work beautifully together. The earthy, nutrient-dense spinach balances the sharp, briny notes of the feta cheese. This combination is popular in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as in dishes like spanakopita and salads.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
• Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
• Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

Enjoy a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal with this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet – perfect for busy weeknights!

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