This quick skillet dish brings together tasty ground beef, fresh spinach, and creamy feta for a meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s great for busy nights when you want something hearty!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up. Just brown the beef, toss in the spinach, and sprinkle the feta on top. It feels like a hug on a plate, and trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This cuts a nice richness, but you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb for a twist. If you want a lighter option, try using lean or extra-lean ground beef.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition. If it’s out of season, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Onion: I like using yellow onions for their sweetness. If you’re looking to skip onions, shallots or leeks can also work. For a milder flavor, you can omit them entirely.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a creamy and tangy touch. If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or ricotta for a similar creaminess. Vegan feta is available too for a dairy-free option!
How Do You Get the Beef Just Right?
Cooking ground beef evenly is key to making this dish flavorful and enjoyable. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet; this helps to brown the beef quickly.
- Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning and prevent clumping.
- Don’t crowd the pan—if you have too much meat, brown it in batches to get that nice golden crust.
Once it reaches a nice brown color, the beef is ready for seasoning, making it tastier for your skillet dish!
Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Optional: fresh lemon juice for a bright finish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a wonderful dinner ready in around 25 minutes. Perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to cook the onion without burning it!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This builds a great flavor base for your dish!
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. The garlic will get fragrant and add a lovely aroma to your skillet.
4. Cook the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook it until it turns brown and is no longer pink, which will take about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
5. Season the Beef:
Next, season the beef with salt, ground black pepper, and dried oregano. If you like a kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
6. Add the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the chopped spinach! Stir it into the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and beautifully blended with the beef.
7. Top with Feta:
Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. The feta will add a nice creamy texture and richness.
8. Optional Lemon Juice:
If desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top for a bright, zesty finish. It really enhances the flavors!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your skillet warm, and feel free to pair it with some crusty bread, rice, or any side you love. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you want a leaner option. Just be aware that it may cook a little faster, so watch it closely to avoid drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use frozen spinach in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it, drain any excess water, and then add it to the skillet when the beef is cooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Vegeterian-Friendly?
Definitely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or even cooked lentils for a delicious vegetarian option. Just adjust seasonings to your taste!
