Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A quick and hearty dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
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.
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.
Created by: Aubrey Whitman
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
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
How-To Steps
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.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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