If you are craving a dinner that’s both hearty and packed with vibrant flavors, the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish beautifully combines rich ground beef, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, creating a perfect harmony of savory and fresh tastes. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that feels wholesome and nourishing, making it an absolute go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Plus, it’s so satisfying to see how such simple ingredients can come together to deliver such a fantastic burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish truly shine. Each item contributes something special to the texture, taste, and overall appeal of the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use a good quality beef for a rich and juicy base.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a mild, slightly earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and brings a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbaceous note reminiscent of Mediterranean flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet undertone that enhances the beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and bring all flavors together.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Offers creamy tanginess that melts into the dish beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of green and a mild peppery brightness to finish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft, sweet, and release that amazing fragrant aroma that signals the base of a great dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and let it brown nicely for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the rich, savory foundation for your dish. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it—it helps keep the skillet light and focused on flavor.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Spices
Now toss in the chopped spinach along with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the spinach begins to wilt and the spices can mingle with the meat. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach softens and all the flavors have blended beautifully.
Step 4: Top with Feta Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top. Let the warm heat gently melt the cheese, creating lovely pockets of creamy tang throughout the dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish it off by scattering fresh parsley over the skillet for a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. Serve it warm, either on its own or alongside crusty bread for a comforting, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley doesn’t just add color—it brings a clean, peppery brightness that complements the creamy feta and savory beef. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes for mild heat or a squeeze of lemon juice to lift the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is so hearty that it stands strong on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or fluffy rice makes the meal even more enjoyable. A simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables are excellent sides that continue the Mediterranean theme without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mixture stuffed inside pita pockets or wrapped in warm flatbread for an easy handheld meal. Alternatively, top roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice with this savory skillet for a low-carb option that dazzles in both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, freezing is an excellent option. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain the excess liquid before adding it to the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and beans for a hearty vegetarian version that keeps the same delicious flavors and textures.
What type of feta cheese works best?
Choosing a good quality feta that is creamy and slightly tangy makes all the difference. Traditional Greek feta works wonderfully, but you can experiment with different types depending on your preference.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely. Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to increase veggie variety and add even more color and flavor to the dish.
How spicy is this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the paprika and spices but is generally not spicy. You can easily adjust the heat with additional red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer some kick.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a wholesome and flavorful meal that feels special yet is quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers comforting satisfaction every time. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners!
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Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta cheese, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. This dish features sautéed ground beef combined with fresh spinach and seasoned with oregano and paprika, then topped with tangy crumbled feta and fresh parsley for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add spinach and seasonings: Stir in the chopped spinach, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the spinach wilts and all flavors combine.
- Add feta cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Let it gently melt into the warm mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm, either as is or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or substitute for ground turkey.
- Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice with the parsley for extra brightness.
- This skillet pairs well with rice, quinoa, or bread for a heartier meal.
- Make sure to drain excess fat for a less greasy dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
