Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

Hey there, friends! I’m Mateo, your friendly neighborhood home cook, and today I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta. This dish is one of those comforting meals that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and full hearts. I love cooking it on busy weeknights because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into the family meal without anyone batting an eye!

Back in the day, I was always on the hunt for recipes that could satisfy my family’s varying tastes while keeping things simple. This skillet dish came about during one of those experimental kitchen sessions. It was a hit from the very first bite, and now it’s a staple in my house. Imagine the savory aroma of garlic and onions wafting through your home, mingling with the earthy scent of spinach. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel like they’re getting a warm hug from the inside out!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Dish

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are simple yet delicious, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The feta adds a tangy twist that even picky eaters find appealing.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beef and loaded with vitamins from the spinach, this meal is as healthy as it is satisfying. It’s an effortless way to include more leafy greens in your diet.
• Comfort Food: The combination of beef, spinach, and creamy feta brings a cozy, satisfying feel to every bite. It’s like a warm embrace after a long day.
• Versatile Ingredients: Uses everyday items you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. This means fewer trips to the grocery store and more time for you!

The Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Heat the Skillet: Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The key here is to let the oil get hot enough to start shimmering before adding the onions. This ensures they sauté properly and develop a nice golden color. You want the skillet to be evenly coated with oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

2. Sauté the Onion: Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until they’re softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. Cooking the onion slowly brings out its natural sweetness, adding depth to your dish.

3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a little slice of heaven. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

4. Brown the Beef: Add your ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 6–7 minutes. Remember to drain any excess fat if needed. This step is crucial for achieving a rich, meaty flavor.

5. Season It Up: Sprinkle in the oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything to coat the beef evenly with these warm, inviting spices. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding a pinch more salt or pepper if desired.

6. Incorporate the Spinach: Now, it’s time for the spinach. Add it to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until it wilts down and mixes in with the beef. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly squeezed to remove excess moisture, which could otherwise water down your dish.

7. Finish with Feta: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The heat from the beef will slightly melt the feta, adding a creamy texture to the dish. You can even cover the skillet for a minute to allow the cheese to melt further.

8. Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve warm. The parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a fresh, herby note that complements the dish beautifully.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet: A must-have for even cooking and browning.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking up the beef and stirring ingredients without scratching your skillet.
• Cutting board: Essential for prepping your vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Makes quick work of dicing onions and chopping spinach.

These tools are likely already in your kitchen arsenal, making this recipe even more accessible for you to whip up any night of the week. Investing in quality kitchen tools can make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

The Benefits of Each Ingredient

• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base for the dish. It’s filling and brings a savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content while still enjoying the rich taste.

• Spinach: This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, not to mention iron. It adds a nutritious punch without overpowering the dish. Fresh or frozen, spinach is an excellent way to boost your nutrient intake.

• Feta Cheese: Offers a tangy, creamy contrast to the beef and spinach, elevating the flavor profile of the entire dish. It’s lower in calories compared to many other cheeses, making it a healthier choice.

• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics lay a flavorful foundation, enhancing the natural tastes of the other components. They are essential for building depth and complexity in flavor.

• Oregano and Paprika: These spices add depth and warmth, giving the dish a comforting, home-cooked feel. Oregano brings an earthy, slightly sweet flavor, while paprika adds a touch of smokiness.

What to Serve With This Skillet Dish

A dish like this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta pairs wonderfully with a simple side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. The bread can be used to scoop up every delicious bite, while rice provides a neutral backdrop that allows the flavors to shine.

If you’re looking to add a bit of freshness, consider serving it alongside a light Greek salad. The crispness of cucumber and tomatoes pairs well with the richness of the skillet. It’s also delightful with a side of roasted vegetables or even some mashed potatoes for a more comforting meal.

For more meal inspiration, check out these other recipes on mateorecipes.blog: my One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Easy Vegetable Stir Fry.

Storage & Leftover Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which doesn’t often happen in my house!), they store beautifully. Simply let the skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This method helps maintain the dish’s texture and flavor. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

So there you have it, friends. A dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, sure to become a favorite in your home just as it is in mine. Cooking should always be about bringing people together, and I hope this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta does just that for your family. Until next time, happy cooking!

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