Name: Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; juice of half a lemon

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick to whip up, healthy, and so packed with flavor that every forkful feels like you’re sitting at a cozy Mediterranean café, you have to try this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta. It’s one of those delightful one-pan wonders where juicy ground beef meets vibrant green spinach, gets a rich boost from tangy feta, and is brightened by a squeeze of fresh lemon. With minimal prep and just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and also impressive enough for friends or family. This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is hearty, low in carbs, and sure to become a regular at your table!

Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient is a flavor powerhouse on its own, but together they create pure dinnertime magic. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need and how each item plays a starring role.

Lean ground beef: Provides a savory, protein-rich base without excess fat, making the dish satisfying yet light.
Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps meld the flavors while keeping the skillet nonstick.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and subtle depth once sautéed, rounding out the dish.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for aroma and zing—don’t skip this for that Mediterranean kick.
Dried oregano: A classic herb that lends warmth and rustic flavor. Dried works best for even distribution.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like a gentle, lively heat—add more or less to your liking.
Fresh spinach: Packs nutrition, bright color, and a delicate bite; chop it coarsely so it nestles beautifully around the beef.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential—the right seasoning brings all the flavors to life.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds tang, creaminess, and that irresistible Mediterranean flair.
Lemon juice: Just a squeeze at the end wakes up the entire skillet with freshness.

How to Make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s soft and just starting to look golden. Next, stir in the garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds. This quick sizzle unlocks big aroma and lays the foundation for everything to come.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add your lean ground beef straight into the fragrant onion mixture. Break it up with your spoon and cook for about 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain any extra fat if you prefer your skillet lighter. The sizzling beef picks up every bit of flavor from the pan, turning irresistible.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Season

Time for some green goodness! Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and let it wilt, which only takes 2–3 minutes. The mound of spinach will look massive at first, but don’t worry—it cooks down beautifully. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance.

Step 4: Finish with Feta and Lemon

Remove the skillet from heat and scatter in the crumbled feta cheese. Watch it soften and melt just a bit on the warm beef and spinach. Now, squeeze over the juice of half a lemon. This little zest brightens up all the savory notes and gives your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta that signature tang.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

Garnishes

Sprinkle on a little extra feta, maybe a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill, or even a dusting of black pepper for a bit more bite. The salty cheese and fresh herbs make every bite pop and look gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

This skillet is satisfying on its own, but you can easily round out the meal. Try serving it alongside fluffy rice, orzo, or even some crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. For a lighter option, a crisp Greek salad or roasted veggies pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Pile your Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta into pita pockets, wrap it in lettuce leaves for hand-held bites, or top baked potatoes for a cozy twist. These creative spins are fabulous for meal prep lunches too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so the next day’s lunch might be even more delicious!

Freezing

Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta can be frozen for up to one month. Be sure it’s in an airtight container or freezer bag, and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before planning to reheat. Note: The spinach and feta will soften a little, but the flavors hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave single portions, covering loosely to avoid drying out. Add an extra squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh feta to wake things up just before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great in this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta. Just note that turkey and chicken are leaner, so you might want to add a bit of extra olive oil for juiciness and flavor.

What’s the best way to make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap out the feta for a plant-based cheese or simply leave it out altogether. The Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta will still be hearty and flavorful thanks to all the herbs and lemon.

Can I add grains like rice or quinoa to this recipe?

Definitely! Stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes right at the end to make the dish more filling. These grains soak up the skillet juices beautifully and transform it into a whole new meal.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Most kids love ground beef, and the spinach wilts down to mellow bites. If your little ones are sensitive to heat, just leave out the red pepper flakes. Serving it with pita bread or over pasta is often a winner with younger eaters.

How do I scale the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta for a crowd?

Doubling or tripling the recipe is easy—just use a large enough skillet or cook in batches. Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is perfect for feeding a hungry table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s fast, nourishing, and wildly flavorful, gather your ingredients and make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta tonight. It’s a fuss-free recipe with maximum reward—bright, cozy, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to dig in and enjoy every last bite!

Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Tender ground beef cooked with spinach, onions, and flavorful herbs, topped with tangy feta cheese and a squeeze of lemon, makes for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
juice of half a lemon

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté onion until softened.
Step 2: Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown ground beef, breaking it up; drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Stir in spinach, cook until wilted.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper, top with feta, lemon juice, and serve hot.