Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, look no further than this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta. This colorful, one-pan wonder brings together juicy ground beef, earthy spinach, aromatic herbs, and the creamy tang of crumbled feta. Every bite is infused with Mediterranean flair, and the recipe is delightfully straightforward. Prepare to add this dish to your regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta pulls its weight. The simple lineup is all about bold flavors and vivid colors, with every element playing a key role in the final result. Here’s what you’ll need and why you need it:

• Olive oil: Adds a wonderful depth and the perfect base for sautéing your aromatics.
• Ground beef: The star of the show that brings rich, hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
• Dried oregano: Infuses the skillet with herby notes that tie everything together beautifully.
• Onion: Offers gentle sweetness that balances the savory beef and earthy greens.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for drawing out all the natural flavors—don’t skip or skimp!
• Fresh spinach: Brings vibrant color, nutrients, and cooks down into tender ribbons.
• Paprika: Adds warmth, smokiness, and a gorgeous pop of color.
• Garlic: Sautéed garlic gives the dish a rich, aromatic finish.
• Feta cheese: Salty, creamy crumbles take the skillet from tasty to truly irresistible.
• Fresh parsley: A finishing touch that brightens the dish with freshness and color.

How to Make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with its unmistakable, savory aroma. This early step is key—your flavors are building already!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef directly into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. Let it sizzle for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. If you see excess fat pooling in the pan, feel free to carefully drain it off. This keeps your skillet fresh and not greasy.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Spices

With your beef browned, it’s time to boost the flavor! Toss in the chopped spinach, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, and watch as the spinach wilts and mingles with the juicy beef. Let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes: the greens should look glossy and tender, and your skillet will smell incredible.

Step 4: Finish with Feta

Take the skillet off the heat. Immediately scatter the crumbled feta cheese across the top. The heat will gently soften the feta, turning it creamy and tangy while still keeping its texture. The combination of warm, meaty filling and cool, sharp cheese is downright dreamy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle on the fresh parsley for a final pop of color and freshness. Serve your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta while it’s warm, ideally alongside some crusty bread or a bed of fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley is all this skillet needs to look and taste spectacular, but you can always experiment. Try a pinch of extra paprika or a few more crumbles of feta for even more flair. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving also adds a touch of luxury.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the savory juices, while fluffy jasmine or basmati rice makes a delicious and filling base. Roasted potatoes or a Mediterranean-style chickpea salad can round out your plate if you’re feeling festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the skillet! Spoon your mixture into halved roasted bell peppers for a vibrant, individual serving. Use it as a hearty filling for pita pockets, or top a baked sweet potato with a generous heap of the beef and spinach mixture, then finish with extra feta and herbs. This is an endlessly versatile dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish, with just a couple of notes. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best quality, freeze without the parsley garnish and add it fresh after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add your leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. If things look a tad dry, splash in a little water or broth to revive those juicy textures. Add a sprinkle of fresh feta or parsley just before serving for a just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground chicken work wonderfully as a lighter alternative to beef. Just make sure to season generously and adjust your cooking time as needed, since poultry tends to cook a bit quicker.

Do I have to use fresh spinach?

While fresh spinach is my favorite for color and texture, you can use frozen—just thaw it first and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to avoid watery results.

Is Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, this dish is naturally low in carbs and suitable for many keto meal plans, especially if you leave out bread or starchy sides. Just be sure to check your specific ingredients for carb counts if you’re keeping strict track.

Can I make this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta dairy-free?

Of course! Simply skip the feta or substitute with a dairy-free cheese—there are some great vegan feta options out there that keep the dish creamy and flavorful.

What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?

You can easily double all the ingredients for a larger batch, but be sure to use a big enough skillet or switch to a Dutch oven so nothing spills over. Brown the meat in stages if needed, then combine everything and proceed as usual.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors wrapped up in a quick and comforting package, you’ll adore this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or dress it up for guests, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try and let it become a staple in your kitchen!

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