Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines hearty comfort with fresh, vibrant flavors, the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is your go-to recipe. This skillet meal brings together savory browned ground beef, tender spinach, and tangy feta cheese in one delightful pan, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a nourishing lunch. Each bite is packed with protein, a touch of spice, and a creamy finish from the feta, all cooked swiftly so you can enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to whip up this flavorful and colorful Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta. Each ingredient plays a role, from the spices that infuse warmth and depth, to the fresh spinach that adds brightness and nutrition, and the feta cheese that delivers a luscious, salty contrast.

• 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that browns beautifully, providing rich flavor and substance.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the aromatics without sticking.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a mild bite that balances the beef.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings fragrant depth and a punch of flavor to the skillet.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Infuses earthy, warm notes that complement the meat perfectly.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky richness enhancing the overall taste.
• ½ tsp dried oregano: Provides herbal brightness that ties the flavors together.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every component of the dish.
• 4 cups fresh spinach: Delivers freshness, vibrant color, and a healthy dose of greens.
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy tanginess with a slightly salty kick that finishes the dish beautifully.
• Optional Add-Ins: Red pepper flakes for heat, cherry tomatoes for sweetness, and fresh parsley or dill for that extra burst of herbaceous flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. You’ll want the beef cooked through and nicely caramelized because that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from. If there’s excess fat pooling in the pan, carefully drain it off to keep the dish from feeling greasy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, stir in the finely chopped onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then toss in the minced garlic along with the cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute so the spices can release their amazing aromas, building layers of flavor.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Now it’s time to add in those vibrant greens. Add your fresh spinach in batches, stirring it into the beef mixture. Spinach wilts down quickly, usually in about 2 to 3 minutes, so keep stirring until it’s just tender but still bright green. This step ensures every bite has that wonderful balance of meatiness and fresh earthiness.

Step 4: Finish with Feta

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in your crumbled feta cheese. The residual warmth will soften the feta slightly without melting it completely, so you still get those delightful pockets of creamy, salty cheese throughout the dish. This finishing touch is what truly brings the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta to life.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

Garnishes

To brighten the dish and add a little custom flair, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top. If you love a bit of heat, toss on some red pepper flakes. Halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and color, making the skillet even more inviting and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This skillet is fantastic on its own for a low-carb meal, but it also pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, warm pita bread for scooping, or even roasted potatoes. A light cucumber and tomato salad would also complement the rich flavors perfectly, adding a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta in warm pita pockets with a dollop of tzatziki for an easy handheld meal. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a colorful bowl. For a more casual spin, turn it into a loaded breakfast scramble by adding a fried egg on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta store very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes nicely as well. Portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, the texture of the spinach might soften upon thawing, but the flavors remain just as delicious.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the skillet on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overheating to keep the feta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that still works wonderfully with the spices and spinach. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey can dry out faster than beef.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten. Just skip any sides or add-ins that contain gluten if you want to keep it completely gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The base recipe is mild, with just a hint of smoky spice from the paprika and cumin. If you like it spicier, add red pepper flakes to taste during cooking or as a garnish.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach gives the best texture and color, you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid a watery dish.

What’s the best way to crumble feta cheese?

The easiest way is to use your fingers to gently break the feta into small chunks or crumbles. This gives you a nice variety of creamy bites throughout your skillet and ensures it folds in evenly without clumping.

Final Thoughts

The Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, satisfying hug in meal form. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavors that complement each other beautifully. Cooking it up is just the start—serving it with your favorite sides or garnishes makes it endlessly adaptable. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough; it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation as it has in mine. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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