Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A quick and hearty dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:01:07.316Z

This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is a delicious one-pan meal that's not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy one-pan meal
  • Packed with protein and healthy greens
  • Flavorful and satisfying for everyone

A Wholesome Meal in Minutes

In our fast-paced lives, finding time to prepare a healthy meal can be challenging. This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is designed to deliver nutrition without sacrificing flavor or time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that the whole family will enjoy. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want to serve something hearty yet uncomplicated.

The beauty of this skillet meal lies not only in its speed but also in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe allows for creativity in the kitchen while ensuring a satisfying meal at the end.

Nutritional Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is often hailed as a superfood for good reason. It's packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and iron. These nutrients contribute to overall health, including improved bone density and enhanced immune function. By incorporating spinach into this dish, you're not only adding vibrant color but also a wealth of health benefits that can help keep you and your family feeling great.

Moreover, spinach is low in calories yet high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight. It helps promote satiety, which can prevent overeating. This makes the Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach not only a delightful meal but also a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.

Perfect Pairings

This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach pairs beautifully with various sides that can elevate your meal even further. Consider serving it with a side of brown rice or quinoa to add whole grains to your plate. The nutty flavors of these grains complement the savory beef and spinach perfectly, creating a balanced meal.

For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the warm skillet dish. If you're in the mood for something heartier, homemade garlic bread makes a delightful addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the skillet.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure to use fresh spinach for the best flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Spinach and Seasonings

Stir in the fresh spinach, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious skillet meal!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is often a welcome sight), storing this Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is a breeze. Simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you find the dish has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy texture.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, if you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef without compromising the dish's flavor.

Vegetarians can also enjoy a version of this skillet by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. The spinach can be complemented by adding other greens like kale or Swiss chard, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile and variety.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the skillet.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach

A quick and hearty dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Whitman

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 4 cups fresh spinach
  3. 1 medium onion, diced
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 teaspoon paprika
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 1 tablespoon olive oil

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the fresh spinach, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 30g