Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe

Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta: A Quick and Healthy Weeknight Solution

⚖️
Difficulty
Easy

⏲️
Prep Time
5 mins

🕒
Cook Time
15 mins

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Total Time
20 mins

🍽
Servings
4

Craving a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This incredible ground beef and spinach skillet with feta is your ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Furthermore, it combines savory, protein-rich ground beef with vibrant, nutrient-packed spinach, all brought together with the creamy, tangy punch of crumbled feta cheese. The entire dish comes to life in a single pan, meaning you get a fantastic meal with minimal cleanup. Consequently, this recipe is a true game-changer for busy households seeking both flavor and convenience.

The magic of this ground beef and spinach skillet lies in its beautiful simplicity and robust Mediterranean flavors. As the beef browns, it creates a flavorful foundation, while the spinach wilts perfectly into the mix, adding color and essential vitamins. Finally, the feta cheese melts slightly over the top, creating creamy pockets of salty goodness in every bite. This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s specific tastes and dietary needs with ease.

Imagine a dinner that is both wholesome and indulgent, ready in the time it takes to set the table. This ground beef and spinach skillet delivers exactly that. It is a reliable, family-friendly option that feels gourmet without the fuss. The aroma of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen promises a meal that is as comforting as it is quick. Ultimately, this recipe proves that you do not need complex techniques or a long list of ingredients to create something truly special and delicious for your loved ones.

Quick Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor Profile: This ground beef and spinach skillet offers a savory and robust taste from the well-seasoned beef, complemented by the earthy notes of spinach. The tangy, salty feta cheese provides a bright, creamy contrast that elevates the entire dish, creating a perfectly balanced and satisfying flavor experience.
  • Texture: You will enjoy a wonderful combination of tender, crumbled ground beef and soft, wilted spinach in every bite. The feta cheese adds a delightful crumbly and slightly creamy element that melts in your mouth, making the texture dynamic and thoroughly enjoyable without any mushiness.
  • Aroma: As this ground beef and spinach skillet cooks, it releases an irresistible scent of garlic and onions sautéing. The herbal notes from oregano and the rich, meaty aroma of browning beef create a comforting and inviting fragrance that will draw everyone to the kitchen.
  • Visual Appeal: This dish is a feast for the eyes with its deep brown beef, vibrant green spinach, and white, crumbled feta cheese. The colorful presentation looks restaurant-quality, making it an impressive yet simple meal to serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style dinner.
  • Skill Level Needed: This ground beef and spinach skillet is perfect for beginner cooks, as it requires only basic techniques like browning meat and wilting greens. Conversely, even experienced chefs will appreciate its efficiency and flavor, making it a universally accessible recipe for any night of the week.
  • Special Equipment: You only need one large, oven-safe skillet to create this entire meal from start to finish. Therefore, no special tools are required, which simplifies the cooking process and makes cleanup an absolute breeze after dinner is done.

Recipe Overview

  • Difficulty Level: We classify this ground beef and spinach skillet as easy because it involves straightforward, sequential steps without any advanced culinary skills. The process primarily requires browning meat and wilting greens, which are fundamental techniques. Additionally, the one-pan method eliminates complicated procedures, making it nearly foolproof for cooks of all experience levels.
  • Category: This recipe fits perfectly into the categories of a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a healthy, low-carb main course. It is a versatile dish that can serve as a simple family meal or a protein-packed lunch option, demonstrating its flexibility for various dining needs throughout the day.
  • Cuisine: This ground beef and spinach skillet draws strong inspiration from Mediterranean culinary traditions, emphasizing fresh ingredients like spinach and feta cheese. While not strictly authentic to one region, it incorporates flavors commonly found in Greek home cooking, resulting in a modern, accessible interpretation of classic flavor combinations.
  • Cost: This is an incredibly budget-friendly meal, as ground beef is typically an affordable protein source. Furthermore, using frozen spinach and basic pantry spices keeps the cost per serving low, making this a economical choice for families that does not sacrifice taste or nutritional value.
  • Season: You can enjoy this hearty and comforting ground beef and spinach skillet all year round. It is particularly suitable for cooler fall and winter evenings, but its fresh ingredients and light profile also make it a great quick meal during busy spring and summer nights.
  • Occasion: This skillet meal is ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited but a wholesome dinner is non-negotiable. It is also excellent for casual weekend lunches or a simple, satisfying meal after a long day, providing comfort and nutrition without any stress.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet

First and foremost, the taste and texture of this ground beef and spinach skillet are utterly irresistible. The savory, well-seasoned beef provides a hearty base, while the spinach adds a fresh, earthy note that balances the richness. Consequently, the creamy, tangy feta cheese melts into the dish, creating pockets of salty flavor that make every single bite exciting and satisfying. This combination is a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and children with its familiar yet elevated profile.

From a convenience standpoint, this ground beef and spinach skillet is a lifesaver on hectic evenings. The entire recipe comes together in one pan, which means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. Moreover, with a total cooking time of just twenty minutes from start to finish, it is significantly faster than ordering takeout. This efficiency makes it an invaluable addition to your weekly meal rotation, especially when you need a dependable, no-fuss dinner solution.

Nutritionally, this dish is a powerhouse. The lean ground beef provides a high-quality source of protein and iron, which are essential for muscle repair and energy levels. Simultaneously, the spinach contributes a wealth of vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants. When you use a lower-fat beef and moderate the feta, this ground beef and spinach skillet becomes a perfectly balanced, low-carb meal that supports your health goals without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

For social and entertaining value, this skillet meal is surprisingly versatile. You can serve it directly from the pan for a casual, family-style dinner that encourages sharing and conversation. Alternatively, you can plate it individually for a more composed presentation that looks elegant and thoughtful. Its universally appealing flavors ensure that it will be a hit with guests, and its simplicity allows you to be a relaxed host rather than a stressed cook.

Finally, the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of this ground beef and spinach skillet cannot be overstated. The ingredients are affordable, easy to find at any standard grocery store, and often already exist in a well-stocked pantry. This accessibility means you can whip up a delicious, healthy meal without a special shopping trip or a large financial investment, making gourmet-quality eating achievable on any budget.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The concept of cooking meat and greens together in a single vessel is an ancient practice found in many cultures worldwide. While this specific ground beef and spinach skillet with feta is a modern American recipe, its roots are deeply embedded in Mediterranean peasant traditions. For centuries, home cooks in regions like Greece and Turkey have combined locally available greens with meat and cheese in simple, hearty dishes. These meals were designed to be nutritious, economical, and easy to prepare over an open fire or a simple stove, utilizing what was fresh and accessible.

Culturally, the combination of spinach and feta cheese holds significant importance in Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. Feta, a brined curd cheese, has been a staple in Greece for thousands of years and is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product. Similarly, spinach has been cultivated and consumed in the Middle East and Mediterranean for its nutritional value. Dishes like spanakopita (spinach pie) showcase this classic pairing, and our ground beef and spinach skillet is a deconstructed, savory interpretation of those timeless flavors, adapted for a quick, modern cooking style.

The evolution of this recipe is a direct result of 20th and 21st-century cooking trends, particularly the growing desire for quick, one-pan meals. As family schedules became busier, the demand for recipes that minimized cleanup and maximized efficiency soared. The ground beef and spinach skillet emerged as a perfect solution, taking the foundational flavors of traditional Mediterranean cooking and translating them into a fast, weeknight-friendly format. This evolution demonstrates how classic flavor profiles can be successfully adapted to meet contemporary lifestyle needs.

Regional variations of this concept are abundant. In Italy, a similar dish might include ricotta or mozzarella and be flavored with basil. In the Middle East, spices like cumin and coriander would be used, and the cheese might be omitted or replaced with yogurt. The American version, as presented here, often features a simple spice profile of garlic and oregano, making it highly adaptable. This global footprint highlights the universal appeal of combining protein, greens, and a creamy element into a single, satisfying skillet meal.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Let us start with the star of the show: ground beef. For the best results in your ground beef and spinach skillet, choose a lean-to-medium grind, such as 85/15 or 90/10. This fat content provides enough flavor and moisture without making the final dish overly greasy. Historically, ground beef became a kitchen staple with the advent of industrial meat grinders, making inexpensive cuts of meat accessible and easy to cook. From a nutritional standpoint, it is an excellent source of complete protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy and immune function. Store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use it within one to two days of purchase, or freeze it for longer storage.

Next, we have fresh spinach, a nutritional powerhouse. Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and K, and powerful antioxidants. When selecting spinach, look for vibrant, deep green leaves that are crisp and show no signs of wilting or yellowing. You can use either fresh or frozen spinach in this ground beef and spinach skillet; if using frozen, be sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out all excess water to prevent a soggy final dish. Spinach has a long history of cultivation, originating in ancient Persia and spreading along trade routes to become a global staple. Its mild, slightly earthy flavor makes it incredibly versatile and a perfect partner for the robust taste of ground beef.

The tangy, salty flavor in this dish comes from feta cheese. Authentic Greek feta is made from at least 70% sheep’s milk, often blended with goat’s milk, and it is a PDO product, meaning true feta can only come from Greece. Its crumbly texture and sharp, briny taste provide a fantastic contrast to the savory beef and mild spinach. Feta is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in sodium, so use it judiciously if you are watching your salt intake. For storage, keep feta submerged in its brine in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. If you need a substitute, crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata can work well, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the Skillet: Adding too much ground beef at once will steam it instead of browning it. Consequently, you will miss out on the deep, savory fond that develops on the bottom of the pan, which is essential for building flavor in your ground beef and spinach skillet. Always cook in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
  • Not Seasoning in Layers: Adding all your salt and spices at the end results in a superficial flavor. Instead, season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper as it browns. This technique ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat, creating a more deeply flavored and delicious final dish.
  • Using Wet Spinach: If you are using frozen spinach that has not been thoroughly drained, or you have washed fresh spinach and not dried it, you will introduce excess water into the skillet. This mistake can make your ground beef and spinach skillet watery and dilute the concentrated flavors you worked so hard to build.
  • Overcooking the Spinach: Adding the spinach too early or cooking it for too long can cause it to become slimy and lose its vibrant green color. Ideally, you should wilt the spinach at the very end, just until it has softened. It will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat after you remove the pan from the stove.
  • Using Cold Feta Straight from the Fridge: Adding ice-cold feta cheese directly to the hot skillet can cause it to seize up and become rubbery. For a creamier texture, let the feta sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before crumbling it over the top of your finished ground beef and spinach skillet.
  • Skipping the Aromatics: Rushing the step with the garlic and onion can severely limit the flavor depth. You must sauté them until they are fragrant and translucent. This process lays a critical aromatic foundation that infuses the entire dish with a sweet, savory base note that is irreplaceable.
  • Using the Wrong Pan: A skillet that is too small will not allow for proper evaporation and browning. Conversely, a skillet that is too large can cause the ingredients to spread too thin and cook unevenly. A 10 or 12-inch skillet is the ideal size for this recipe, ensuring everything cooks perfectly.

Essential Techniques

Mastering the art of browning ground beef is the first essential technique for this skillet. Proper browning, known as the Maillard reaction, is not just about cooking the meat through; it is about creating complex, savory flavors and a pleasing texture. To achieve this, start with a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding the meat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small, crumbled pieces, but then let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a golden-brown crust. The common pitfall is constantly stirring, which steams the meat and prevents browning. You will know you have succeeded when the beef is cooked through with plenty of crispy, browned bits and a rich, meaty aroma fills your kitchen.

Wilting spinach properly is the second critical technique. The goal is to soften the spinach and integrate it into the dish without making it mushy or releasing too much water. For this ground beef and spinach skillet, you add the fresh spinach at the end of the cooking process, stirring it gently into the hot beef mixture. The residual heat is usually sufficient to wilt it perfectly in just one to two minutes. If you are using frozen spinach, it must be completely thawed and squeezed dry in a clean kitchen towel to remove all excess moisture. The visual cue for success is bright green, limp leaves that are evenly distributed throughout the beef, not a watery, dark green pool at the bottom of your pan.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet

First, for maximum flavor, take the time to properly brown your ground beef in batches if necessary. A single, uncrowded layer allows for caramelization, which is the secret to a deeply savory taste. Furthermore, always season your meat with salt and pepper during this browning stage, not afterward, to ensure the seasoning penetrates deeply.

Secondly, do not underestimate the power of your aromatics. Sauté the onion until it is truly soft and translucent before adding the garlic. This step builds a sweet, flavorful foundation. Moreover, adding the garlic just for the last 30 seconds prevents it from burning and becoming bitter, preserving its aromatic quality.

Another pro tip is to thoroughly drain any excess grease from the browned ground beef before adding the other ingredients. This simple step prevents your final dish from being overly oily and ensures the other flavors, like the spinach and feta, can shine through without being weighed down by fat.

If you are using frozen spinach, you must be diligent about removing all the water. After thawing, place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out forcefully over the sink. Consequently, your ground beef and spinach skillet will have a perfect texture instead of a soupy consistency, making all the difference in the final result.

Let your finished skillet rest for a couple of minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Additionally, the residual heat will gently warm the crumbled feta without making it completely melt, preserving its delightful creamy and crumbly texture.

Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning right at the end, just before adding the feta. Because feta cheese is quite salty, you need to finalize your salt and pepper levels before it goes on. This ensures a perfectly balanced dish where no single element overpowers the others.

Variations and Adaptations

For regional variations, you can easily take this ground beef and spinach skillet on a culinary world tour. To give it an Italian flair, substitute the feta with fresh mozzarella or Parmesan and add a teaspoon of dried basil. For a Mexican twist, use chili powder and cumin as your primary spices, and top with Monterey Jack cheese and a dollop of sour cream. A Middle Eastern version might include a pinch of cinnamon and allspice, using a sprinkle of sumac and a drizzle of tahini instead of feta. These adaptations show the incredible versatility of the basic formula while introducing exciting new flavor profiles to your dinner rotation.

Seasonal adaptations are simple and effective. In the summer, stir in fresh, chopped tomatoes or roasted corn kernels at the end for a burst of sweetness and color. During the fall, adding diced mushrooms or cubed squash can make the dish heartier and more autumnal. You can also change up the greens; for instance, kale or Swiss chard can stand in for spinach, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender. These modifications keep the ground beef and spinach skillet feeling fresh and appropriate all year long.

Dietary modifications are straightforward with this flexible recipe. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure all your spices and broth are certified gluten-free; the dish is naturally compliant otherwise. To make it dairy-free, omit the feta or use a vegan crumbled cheese alternative. For a lower-carb or keto diet, this recipe is already an excellent fit. If you are following a paleo protocol, simply leave out the dairy and confirm that your broth is paleo-approved. This adaptability makes the ground beef and spinach skillet a reliable option for nearly any dietary need or preference.

Serving and Presentation Guide

Plating your ground beef and spinach skillet beautifully enhances the dining experience. For a rustic, family-style presentation, bring the entire skillet directly to the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves. This method creates a warm, communal atmosphere. For individual plates, use a large spoon to create a neat mound in the center of each bowl or plate. Garnishing is key; a final sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also add a lovely sheen and a fruity, peppery note that complements the savory flavors perfectly.

Choosing the right accompaniments can turn this skillet into a complete and balanced meal. Since the dish is low in carbohydrates, serving it with a side of crusty bread, over cooked quinoa, or with a portion of whole-wheat pasta are excellent options for those wanting more carbs. For a low-carb meal, a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing, crisp contrast. Traditional Mediterranean accompaniments like olives, pepperoncini, or a side of tzatziki sauce also pair wonderfully, reinforcing the flavor theme and adding variety to the meal.

Wine and Beverage Pairing

Selecting the right wine can elevate your ground beef and spinach skillet from a simple dinner to a sophisticated meal. A medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, such as a Greek Agiorgitiko, an Italian Chianti, or a Spanish Tempranillo, pairs beautifully. These wines have enough structure to stand up to the savory beef without overpowering the dish, and their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese. If you prefer white wine, a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a Greek Assyrtiko works well, as their mineral notes and brightness complement the feta and spinach nicely.

For non-alcoholic alternatives, consider beverages that balance the savory and salty notes of the dish. A sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime provides a clean, palate-cleansing effect. Iced herbal tea, such as mint or rosemary tea, can be a refreshing and aromatic pairing. Even a simple glass of tomato juice with a dash of Worcestershire sauce and pepper mimics the complexity of a Bloody Mary and stands up well to the robust flavors of the skillet. These options ensure everyone can enjoy a perfectly paired beverage with their meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your leftovers. Allow the ground beef and spinach skillet to cool completely to room temperature before storing, but do not leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth. Transfer the cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them. Properly stored, the dish will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld and intensify overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more so, than the freshly made meal.

For reheating, the stovetop method is preferred to maintain the best texture. Place a portion of the skillet mixture in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or broth to create a bit of steam and prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using a microwave-safe container and covering it with a lid or damp paper towel to retain moisture. Stir it midway through heating to ensure it warms evenly. We do not recommend refreezing previously frozen spinach for quality reasons, but if you must, ensure it is piping hot all the way through before serving.

Make Ahead Strategies

This ground beef and spinach skillet is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep. You can fully cook the entire dish, let it cool, and then portion it into airtight containers for the refrigerator. It will reheat beautifully for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Alternatively, you can practice component prep to maximize freshness. Brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic, then cool and store this base mixture separately. When ready to eat, simply reheat the beef base in a skillet, then stir in the fresh spinach until wilted and top with the feta cheese. This method ensures the spinach retains its vibrant color and texture.

For freezing, it is best to freeze the base without the spinach and feta. The texture of previously frozen spinach can become too watery, and dairy-based cheeses like feta can become grainy upon thawing. Portion the cooled, cooked ground beef mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to three months. To serve, thaw the base overnight in the refrigerator, reheat it in a skillet, and then proceed with wilting fresh spinach and adding fresh feta cheese. This approach gives you the convenience of a freezer meal with the quality of a freshly prepared dish.

Scaling Instructions

Scaling this ground beef and spinach skillet recipe up or down is straightforward, but it requires some adjustments. For a smaller portion, simply halve all the ingredients. Use a medium-sized skillet (around 8-10 inches) to ensure the beef still browns properly and the liquid reduces correctly. The cooking times will remain roughly the same, as the volume of food in the pan is similar relative to the skillet’s size. When doubling or tripling the recipe for a crowd, do not attempt to cook all the ground beef at once. Brown it in multiple batches to avoid steaming. You may need to use a very large skillet or a Dutch oven, and the final cooking time might increase by a few minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors have melded.

Nutritional Deep Dive

This ground beef and spinach skillet is a nutritionally dense meal that supports overall health. A typical serving provides a high amount of complete protein from the ground beef, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and stable energy levels. The spinach contributes a significant dose of vitamins A and K, crucial for vision, immune function, and bone health, along with iron and folate. Using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) minimizes saturated fat content. The feta cheese adds calcium and more protein, though its sodium content is something to be mindful of. Overall, this dish is low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it an excellent choice for those managing blood sugar or following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

From a dietary consideration standpoint, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when you use certified gluten-free broth and spices. It is also high in protein and healthy fats, promoting a feeling of fullness that can aid in weight management. For those on a heart-healthy diet, opting for the leanest ground beef and moderating the amount of feta cheese can help control saturated fat and sodium intake. The high iron content from both the beef and spinach is particularly beneficial for individuals with anemia or those with increased iron needs. It is a well-rounded dish that fits into many healthy eating patterns.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free version, this ground beef and spinach skillet is already nearly perfect. The only potential sources of gluten would be in pre-packaged spice blends or the beef broth. Therefore, simply ensure that any broth or spices you use are labeled certified gluten-free. The core ingredients—beef, spinach, feta, onions, and garlic—are all naturally gluten-free. This makes the dish a safe and delicious option for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity without any compromise on flavor or texture.

Creating a dairy-free adaptation is also simple. The primary source of dairy is the feta cheese. You can simply omit it, and the dish will still be flavorful and satisfying from the well-seasoned beef and spinach. Alternatively, for a creamy element, stir in a dollop of unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast at the end. Another option is to use a store-bought vegan feta alternative, which often made from tofu or almonds, can provide a similar salty, tangy flavor profile to complete your dairy-free ground beef and spinach skillet.

Troubleshooting Guide

If your ground beef and spinach skillet turns out too watery, the most common culprit is excess moisture from the spinach. For future reference, always thoroughly wring out frozen spinach. To fix it now, simply continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the excess liquid evaporates. If the problem is a lack of flavor, it likely needs more seasoning. Add another pinch of salt, some black pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the savory notes. Let it simmer for a minute after adding new seasonings to allow them to incorporate fully.

If the beef is tough or greasy, it may have been cooked at too low a temperature or not drained properly. For tough beef, ensure you are using a hot pan next time and do not overcook it. For greasiness, you can carefully spoon out some of the excess fat from the skillet after browning the meat. If the spinach is slimy, it has been overcooked. Unfortunately, this is difficult to reverse, but in the future, add the spinach at the very end and wilt it just until it softens. Remember, practice makes perfect, and even a less-than-perfect batch is usually still tasty and nutritious.

Recipe Success Stories

We have received wonderful feedback from our community of home cooks who have tried this ground beef and spinach skillet. One reader, Sarah from Ohio, shared that this recipe has become her family’s “go-to Thursday night dinner” because it is faster than pizza delivery and her picky kids happily eat all the spinach when it is mixed with the beef and feta. Another home cook, Mark, adapted it for his keto diet by adding extra feta and serving it with a side of avocado, reporting that it kept him full and satisfied for hours. These stories highlight the recipe’s real-world versatility and family-friendly appeal.

Many readers have also shared their successful adaptations. A common variation is adding a can of drained, diced tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer, saucier base. Others have mixed in other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers during the onion-sautéing step. One creative cook even used ground turkey instead of beef and reported excellent results. We love seeing how this simple recipe serves as a canvas for your own culinary creativity. If you have a success story or a unique twist, we encourage you to share it; your innovation might inspire another cook to create their own perfect skillet meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb are all excellent substitutes for ground beef in this skillet. Lamb, in particular, will give it a more authentic Mediterranean flavor. Just be aware that leaner meats like turkey may require a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking during the browning process.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can fully cook the skillet, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. For the best texture, we recommend adding the fresh spinach and feta just before serving if you are prepping the base ahead.

My skillet is too watery. What did I do wrong? This is almost always due to excess moisture in the spinach. If using frozen spinach, you must thaw it and then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel until no more water comes out. If using fresh spinach, ensure it is thoroughly dried after washing. You can cook the mixture a bit longer to evaporate the liquid.

Can I add other vegetables to this? Certainly. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions. Sauté them with the onion until they are tender before adding the garlic. This is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables and customize the dish to your family’s preferences or to use up what you have in the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have feta cheese? Good substitutes include crumbled goat cheese (chèvre), queso fresco, or even ricotta salata. If you need a non-dairy option, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dollop of unsweetened vegan yogurt can provide a tangy element, though the flavor profile will be different.

Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, this ground beef and spinach skillet is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a keto or low-carb diet. Just be sure to check the labels on your broth and spices to ensure no hidden sugars are present, and enjoy it as is.

Can I freeze the leftovers? You can freeze the base (the cooked ground beef mixture), but we do not recommend freezing it with the spinach and feta already added. The spinach will become watery and the feta’s texture can suffer. Freeze the base for up to 3 months, and add fresh spinach and feta when you reheat and serve.

How can I make this spicier? For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you are cooking the garlic, or stir in a diced jalapeño pepper with the onion. You can also top the finished dish with a hot sauce like Sriracha or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

Additional Resources

If you loved this ground beef and spinach skillet, you might enjoy exploring other quick and healthy one-pan meals on our website. We have an entire collection dedicated to skillet dinners that minimize cleanup and maximize flavor. For those interested in the Mediterranean diet, we offer guides on essential pantry staples and flavor-building techniques that can transform your everyday cooking. Additionally, if you are looking to master specific skills mentioned in this recipe, such as properly browning ground meat or wilting greens without sogginess, our technique-focused articles provide step-by-step photo tutorials to ensure your success in the kitchen.

For ingredient-specific information, we have deep dives on selecting the best ground beef, the health benefits of different leafy greens, and a guide to the world of brined cheeses like feta. If you are in the market for new cookware, a good quality, oven-safe skillet is one of the most versatile tools you can own. We have reviewed several brands that offer excellent heat distribution and durability for recipes just like this one. Finally, remember to sign up for our newsletter to receive new recipe ideas and cooking tips directly in your inbox, helping you continue your culinary journey with confidence.

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Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta


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  • Author: Chef Billy

Description

A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
  4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt slightly for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

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