The Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is your weeknight hero: a Mediterranean-inspired wonder that’s comforting, hearty, and ready in well under 30 minutes. Every forkful brings together juicy, seasoned ground beef, tender wilted spinach, bright tomatoes, and creamy feta, crowned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal lift. This dish is as simple as it is satisfying, and it all comes together in one skillet, so you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This flavor-packed skillet keeps things wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple, staple ingredients that each play a crucial part in the dish’s depth and vibrancy. Every component, from the ground beef to the crumbled feta, adds a unique flavor, texture, or burst of color that makes the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta so irresistible.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein, bringing savory richness and heartiness without extra grease.
- Olive oil: Adds Mediterranean flair and helps soften the onions, building a flavorful base.
- Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it brings natural sweetness and depth to the skillet.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses everything with fragrant, robust flavor—don’t skip this aromatic!
- Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that layers in earthy, herbaceous notes.
- Ground cumin: Just a touch for subtle warmth and a whisper of smokiness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that plays beautifully with the creamy feta.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying every flavor in the skillet.
- Black pepper: Lends gentle spice and balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Fresh baby spinach: Wilts down to a tender, nourishing base, adding color and nutrients.
- Canned diced tomatoes (drained): Brings a juicy tang and beautiful acidity that wakes up the skillet.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy, feta melts into the skillet and makes it truly shine.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A handful on top makes the whole dish pop with freshness and color.
How to Make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and let it sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s beautifully softened and starting to turn translucent. This step lays a sweet, mellow base that will carry all those seasonings straight into the heart of your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Fragrance
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for just 30 seconds—that’s all it takes for the kitchen to fill with garlicky goodness. Garlic can burn quickly, so a short stint is perfect to unlock its flavor without any bitterness.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it up into pea-sized pieces with your spatula as it cooks. Let it brown and sizzle for about 5 to 6 minutes; you want the meat mostly cooked through and richly colored for the best flavor. If you see extra fat in the pan, feel free to drain it off before moving on.
Step 4: Season and Brighten
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the oregano, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat, salt, and pepper. Give the mixture a thorough toss, ensuring all the savory spices are distributed evenly. Add the drained diced tomatoes and cook together for a couple more minutes, so the acidity and juices can mingle with the beef.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet in big handfuls. It may look like a lot at first, but keep stirring as it quickly wilts down into the mix and turns a vibrant green. Incorporate all the spinach before turning the heat to low, making sure it’s tender but not overcooked.
Step 6: Finish With Feta
Scatter the crumbled feta cheese over your skillet and give it one last gentle stir, letting some melt while still leaving creamy, tangy bits in every bite. Remove the skillet from the heat, and shower everything with a handful of chopped parsley for a hit of green freshness if you have it on hand. Your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley or an extra shower of crumbled feta will set the colors off and add bursts of flavor on top. For a little extra zing, squeeze over a wedge of lemon just before serving—it’s a magic touch that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet is plenty satisfying on its own, but pairing it with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a simple pasta lets you soak up every last drop of savory sauce. If you’re going for a lighter meal, try serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad tossed with red onion and lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Stuff the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta into toasted pita pockets for a fun hand-held dinner, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a Mediterranean spin on a classic comfort food. For parties, you can even bake it under a layer of mozzarella in a casserole dish for a crowd-pleasing twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any remaining Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of making. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—just long enough for meal prepping or late-night cravings!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Let cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture, and remember that the spinach may soften a bit more once thawed, but the flavor stays delicious.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. A splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil can help revive the sauciness. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in bursts, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a fantastic swap if you’re after a lighter version of Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta. Just note that you might want to add a touch of extra olive oil, as these meats are typically leaner than ground beef.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can simply skip the feta or use a dairy-free feta alternative. The skillet will still shine with all its savory flavors, though the tangy, creamy kick from feta will be missing.
How can I make this a low-sodium recipe?
Opt for reduced-sodium feta and no-salt-added canned tomatoes, and be mindful when adding your salt. The flavors are robust enough that you won’t miss the extra sodium!
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Frozen spinach works in a pinch—just thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it. Start with about 2 cups of frozen spinach as a substitute for the fresh called for in Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta.
What’s the best skillet size for this recipe?
A large, deep 12-inch skillet is ideal. It gives you enough room to properly brown the beef and toss in all the spinach without any overflowing, making your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta both easier and cleaner to prepare.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s as nourishing and practical as it is flavorful, this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta deserves a spot in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite—it’s cozy, colorful, and guaranteed to draw everyone to the dinner table!
Print
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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the freshness of spinach and the tanginess of feta cheese, all cooked together to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned. Season with oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add vegetables: Stir in drained tomatoes, then add spinach in batches until wilted.
- Finish the dish: Reduce heat, sprinkle feta over the skillet, gently stir to combine. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- For a lower-sodium version, use reduced-sodium feta and no-salt-added tomatoes.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
