Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

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Introduction

This Savory Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Topped with Creamy Feta is a quick, wholesome, and flavor-packed weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef is sautéed with garlic, onion, and aromatic spices, then folded with vibrant spinach and topped with tangy crumbled feta for a hearty finish. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just looking for a nourishing skillet meal, this one hits the spot.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the spinach, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the spinach wilts and flavors combine.
  4. Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Let it gently melt into the skillet.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, as-is or with crusty bread.

Variation

  1. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken – Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. These options absorb the same flavors beautifully while reducing saturated fat content.
  2. Add Cooked Quinoa or Brown Rice – Stir in 1 cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice after the spinach has wilted to turn this into a more filling one-pan meal with added fiber and whole grains.
  3. Try Different Greens – Instead of spinach, try kale or Swiss chard for a heartier bite. Just be sure to chop them finely and cook a bit longer, as they take slightly more time to soften.

Cooking Notes

  • Drain Excess Fat – If your ground beef is high in fat, be sure to drain off the grease after browning. This keeps the dish from becoming oily and helps the feta flavor shine.
  • Don’t Overcook the Spinach – Add the spinach near the end of cooking and sauté just until wilted. Overcooking can lead to a soggy texture and muted color.
  • Use a Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet – These types of pans help achieve a nice sear on the meat and make cleanup easier, especially when cooking with cheese.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve Over Couscous or Cauliflower Rice – For a heartier meal, spoon the beef and spinach mixture over fluffy couscous or light cauliflower rice. Both pair well with the Mediterranean flavors.
  2. Stuff into Warm Pita or Flatbread – Turn it into a handheld meal by filling warm pita pockets or wraps with the mixture, then top with extra feta or a drizzle of tzatziki.
  3. Top with a Fried or Poached Egg – Add a sunny-side-up or poached egg on top for a rich, satisfying twist that turns this skillet into a brunch-worthy plate.

Tips

  • Crumble Feta Just Before Serving – Add the feta once the pan is off the heat. This preserves its creamy texture and gives you contrast between the warm filling and the cool, tangy cheese.
  • Prep Ingredients in Advance – Chop the onions, garlic, and spinach ahead of time for quicker cooking, especially helpful on busy weeknights.
  • Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This skillet stores and reheats beautifully. Make a double batch and portion into containers for ready-to-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
    Yes! Thaw and drain the frozen spinach well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This helps avoid a watery texture.

  2. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
    Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily in the microwave or skillet. Just store the feta separately if you want to keep it fresh and crumbly.

  3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    Yes, simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free feta alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.

  4. What can I serve with this to make it a complete meal?
    You can serve it over rice, quinoa, couscous, or inside a pita wrap. A side of roasted vegetables or a cucumber-tomato salad also pairs wonderfully.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is a cozy, nutritious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender beef, vibrant greens, and a creamy feta finish, it’s both satisfying and versatile perfect for weeknights or prepping ahead. Whether you serve it on its own or tuck it into a warm pita, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Savory Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Topped with Creamy Feta is a quick, wholesome, and flavor-packed weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef is sautéed with garlic, onion, and aromatic spices, then folded with vibrant spinach and topped with tangy crumbled feta for a hearty finish. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just looking for a nourishing skillet meal, this one hits the spot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the spinach, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the spinach wilts and flavors combine.
  4. Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Let it gently melt into the skillet.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, as-is or with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and lamb.
  • Baby spinach works well if you want a more tender green.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: beef skillet, ground beef and spinach, feta dinner, easy weeknight meal

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