Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A quick and nutritious dish that combines ground beef and fresh spinach for a hearty meal.
This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is not only easy to make, but it's also packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
- Packed with protein and vitamins from the spinach
- One-pan meal means less cleanup
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite spices
A Nutritious Choice
Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is not just a quick meal; it's also a powerhouse of nutrition. Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and overall health. Paired with fresh spinach, this dish offers a significant boost of vitamins A, C, and K along with essential minerals such as iron and calcium. This combination not only keeps you full but also supports your immune system and bone health.
Incorporating spinach into your meals can help increase your daily intake of antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress in the body. The vibrant greens add a fresh flavor and a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing as well. This recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables into your family's diet without compromising on taste.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Life can get hectic, especially during the week. Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is the ultimate solution for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal that comes together in a flash. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. It's a stress-free way to whip up a nutritious meal that everyone will appreciate.
Moreover, the one-pan nature of this recipe means less cleanup after dinner. You can easily cook everything in one skillet, making it an ideal option for those who want to minimize time spent on washing dishes. This efficiency is particularly valuable for families juggling numerous evening activities.
Customizable for Your Taste
One of the best aspects of the Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to match your taste preferences. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile. Alternatively, if you prefer milder tastes, reducing the spices will make the dish more palatable for children or those sensitive to heat.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet as well. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be excellent additions that enhance both texture and nutrition. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, ensuring that this meal can be tailored to fit various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Make sure to check your pantry for any additional spices or ingredients you may want to add!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious skillet meal.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Spinach
Once the beef is browned, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season and Simmer
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa. The grains will help soak up the flavorful broth, making every bite delightful. Alternatively, you can serve it with crusty bread to mop up the juices, turning it into a heartier meal.
For a complete dining experience, consider pairing this dish with a light salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory skillet. This combination not only enhances the meal but also adds more vitamins and minerals to your plate.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you're ready to enjoy it again.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the dish. This way, you can have a quick meal ready for those days when you don't feel like cooking. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with nutritional benefits. A serving of Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach typically contains about 25 grams of protein, which helps to keep you satiated and energized. The dish is also low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Additionally, the inclusion of spinach adds fiber to your meal, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health. The overall balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals makes this dish a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying a flavorful meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
→ How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to increase the heat.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated when you're ready to eat.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or even a side salad.
Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach
A quick and nutritious dish that combines ground beef and fresh spinach for a hearty meal.
Created by: Olivia Martin
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g