Introduction

This easy ground beef spinach skillet with feta is the ultimate one-pan dinner for busy nights. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s packed with protein and greens. For another fresh way to enjoy spinach and feta, try the Apple Spinach Salad With Feta Pistachios and Dressing Recipe.

Ingredients

This savory skillet dish comes together with simple ingredients that create a hearty and flavorful meal, featuring juicy ground beef, vibrant wilted spinach, and tangy feta cheese.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta ingredients

Timing

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

Context: This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta comes together in about 25 minutes, which is roughly 20% faster than many similar one-pan recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until no pink remains and it’s nicely browned. For the best flavor, avoid overcrowding the pan and let the meat develop a sear.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Push the beef to the side of the skillet. Add a drizzle of oil if the beef is very lean, then toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent. This builds a flavorful base for your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet.

Step 3 — Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in a can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4 — Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach in large handfuls, stirring it into the hot beef mixture. It will seem like a lot at first, but it wilts down dramatically. Continue adding and stirring until all the spinach is incorporated and just wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5 — Adjust Consistency and Seasoning

If the skillet looks too dry, you can add a splash of beef broth or water. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings like a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. The sauce should be cohesive but not soupy.

Step 6 — Finish with Feta and Herbs

Remove the skillet from the heat. Crumble the feta cheese generously over the top of the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or dill. The residual heat will slightly soften the feta without melting it completely.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Serve this hearty skillet directly from the pan. It’s excellent over rice, couscous, or with crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories	410
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	28g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	720mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is a good source of iron and vitamin A.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is easy to adapt. Here are some practical swaps to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Leaner Protein — Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat while keeping the dish hearty.
Lower-Carb Option — Replace the optional rice or potatoes with cauliflower rice or a side of roasted zucchini for a lighter meal.
Dairy-Free/Vegan — Omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative; for a vegan version, use lentils or a plant-based crumble instead of beef.
Gluten-Free — This skillet is naturally gluten-free; just ensure any broth or canned tomatoes used are certified gluten-free.
Low-Sodium — Use no-salt-added diced tomatoes and low-sodium broth, and reduce or omit added salt, letting the herbs and feta provide flavor.
Extra Veggies — Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion to boost fiber and nutrients without changing the cooking time much.
Different Cheese — Try crumbled goat cheese for a tangier profile or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a sharper, salty note instead of feta.
Spice It Up — Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the ground beef while browning for a warm, smoky kick.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is a complete meal on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate it into a memorable dinner. Here are ideas for what to serve with it.

Perfect Pairings

Crusty Bread or Pita: Essential for scooping up the savory juices and creamy feta. A warm baguette or soft garlic naan works wonderfully.
Light Grain Salad: A simple lemon-herb quinoa or orzo salad adds a fresh, textural contrast without weighing down the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and a healthy boost.
Refreshing Side Salad: A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

Occasions & Plating

This versatile skillet suits many occasions. For a casual family dinner, serve it straight from the pan at the table. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions and garnish with extra crumbled feta, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or oregano. It’s also a fantastic, easy option for meal prep—divide into containers for ready-to-go lunches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using lean beef with no fat. Fix: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef to render enough flavorful fat for cooking the aromatics and wilting the spinach.
Mistake: Overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef. Fix: Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper browning, which builds a deeper, richer flavor base for your skillet.
Mistake: Adding raw spinach all at once. Fix: Wilt the spinach in batches, stirring until each addition just begins to soften, to prevent a watery, unevenly cooked dish.
Mistake: Adding the feta cheese too early. Fix: Stir in crumbled feta at the very end, off the heat, to let it soften and warm through without melting into a greasy mess.
Mistake: Not draining excess fat after browning the beef. Fix: Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat for flavor, but drain any more to prevent your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet from becoming overly greasy.
Mistake: Underseasoning the beef mixture. Fix: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper as it browns, and taste again after adding tomatoes or broth to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
Mistake: Using pre-shredded bagged spinach. Fix: Choose fresh spinach bunches or pre-washed baby spinach for better texture and flavor, as bagged spinach often has excess moisture and a muted taste.
Mistake: Letting the skillet simmer uncovered. Fix: Cover the skillet after adding liquids to simmer, which helps cook the spinach evenly and meld the flavors without excessive evaporation.
Mistake: Skipping the acid balance. Fix: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten the rich flavors of beef and feta.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Portion the cooled skillet meal into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep its best quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: For best results, reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout. You can also use the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For optimal flavor and texture, add a fresh sprinkle of feta cheese after reheating this easy skillet dinner.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is a fantastic one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. For another easy, protein-rich dish, try our Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup Recipe. We hope you love this skillet recipe—please leave a comment with your review or subscribe for more quick dinners!