Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together in one pan? This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is your new weeknight herois your new weeknight hero! Juicy ground beef, tender spinach, warm spices, and creamy, tangy feta make a combo that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. It’s low-effort, high-flavor, and cleanup is a breeze—what’s not to love? Whether you’re eating low-carb or just want something hearty and wholesome, this skillet dish will definitely hit the spot.
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Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is the ultimate one-pan wonder. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The combo of savory beef, wilted spinach, and creamy feta is both satisfying and surprisingly wholesome. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for keto-friendly or gluten-free meals. You can serve it on its own, over rice, or tucked into a warm pita—so versatile! Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients
This skillet meal uses everyday ingredients that come together for serious flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if using lean beef)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5–6 cups fresh spinach (about one 5 oz package)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly in one pan, making it perfect for busy nights. Here’s how to make it:
- Heat the pan: In a large skilletIn a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil (if using).
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up witminutesAdd the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Season it up: Sprinkle in tSprinkle in the oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the spinach: Toss in the freshminutes . Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. You may need to add it in batches.
- Finish with feta: Turn off the heathe crTurn off the heat. Stir in the crumbled feta and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using.
- Serve warm: Spoon it into bowls or over rice, pasta, or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple meal prep option.
- Servings: Makes abMakes about 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 220 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
You can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for lunch the next day!
Tips and Variations
Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few easy ways to switch things up:
- Add more veggies: Try mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoeTry mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a sStir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for a rich texture.
- Swap the greens: No spinach? Kale or SNo spinach? Kale or Swiss chard works great too—just cook it a bit longer.
- Go low-carb: SServe it as-is, or pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add grains: Want to bulk it up? Serve over brown rice, couscous, or quinoa.
- Change the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb all work well in place of beef.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakesAdd more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you love heat.
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! This skillet meal stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Refrigerator: StStore any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: You can freeze it too! Let it goYou can freeze it too! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm it iWarm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and s
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat—perfect for keto.
3. What type of ground beef works best?
Lean ground beef (like 85/15) works well, but you can use whatever you have. Just drain excess fat if needed.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s over
Yes! It reheats really well and is great for meal prep.
5. What if I don’t like feta?
No problem— try goat cheese, shredded mo
No problem—try goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or leave it out altogether.
6. Can I add pasta or rice to this dish?
D’s
Definitely! It’s delicious served over cooked pasta, rice, or even tucked into a pita wrap.
7. How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
I still remember the first time I threw this dish together—it was one of those busy weeknights when I opened the fridge, saw ground beef, half a bag of spinach, and a lonely block of feta… and hoped for the best. What came out of the skillet was pure magic: cozy, savory, a little tangy, and totally satisfying. Since then, it’s become one of those accidental favorites that I make againthat I make again and again—simple, nourishing, and always a hit at the table.
Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just want something warm and comforting without a mountain of dishes, this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta delivers every time. I hope it finds a spot in your dinner rotation too—and hey, don’t forget to save it for later on Pinterest!
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @howtocookmeals on pinterest and facebook for daily inspiration!
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Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together in one pan? This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is your new weeknight hero—low-effort, high-flavor, and easy to clean up!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if using lean beef)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5–6 cups fresh spinach (about one 5 oz package)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil (if using).
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Season it up: Sprinkle in the oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. You may need to add it in batches.
- Finish with feta: Turn off the heat. Stir in the crumbled feta and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using.
- Serve warm: Spoon it into bowls or over rice, pasta, or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.
Notes
This dish is great for low-carb or gluten-free diets, and can be customized with other greens or proteins. It’s perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ground beef, spinach, feta, skillet, low-carb, one pan