Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach

Highlighted under: Warm & Tasty

A hearty and nutritious dish combining ground beef and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Perrie Lawson

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:34:16.011Z

This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is a delightful dish that brings together savory flavors and nutritious greens, making it a perfect meal for the whole family. It's quick to prepare, ensuring that you can enjoy a hearty dinner even on the busiest nights.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Packed with protein and nutrients from fresh spinach
  • Flavorful and satisfying, a family favorite

A Quick and Nutritious Meal

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach recipe is designed with busy families in mind. It combines protein-rich ground beef with nutrient-dense spinach, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand. Whether you prefer adding different vegetables or spices, this dish allows for creativity while maintaining its core flavors. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients, making it a sustainable choice for your kitchen.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is often hailed as a superfood, and for good reason. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and calcium, it supports overall health and wellness. Including spinach in your diet can help boost your immune system, improve bone health, and promote healthy skin. In this recipe, fresh spinach not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the nutritional profile of the dish.

Incorporating spinach into meals is an easy way to increase your daily vegetable intake. In this skillet dish, the spinach wilts down significantly, making it a seamless addition that blends beautifully with the ground beef. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of spinach without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach is not only quick to prepare but also makes an excellent option for meal prep. The dish can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop for a satisfying lunch or dinner. This can save you time during busy weekdays and ensure you always have a home-cooked meal ready to go.

You can also double the recipe and freeze half for later. This makes it a fantastic option for busy nights when cooking from scratch isn’t feasible. Just portion it into airtight containers, and you’ll have a nutritious meal ready at your convenience.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Ground Beef Skillet:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Spinach and Seasonings

Once the beef is browned, add the fresh spinach, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Finish with Broth and Cheese

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Skillet!

Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs or spices. You can also substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. The grains will soak up the savory flavors of the beef and broth, creating a satisfying dish that’s both filling and delicious.

For a lighter option, serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. The bright notes of a fresh salad can complement the richness of the beef while providing a refreshing contrast. This balance can elevate your dining experience and help you enjoy a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, let the skillet dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for added convenience.

If you plan to freeze the dish, ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Secondary image

Ground Beef Skillet with Spinach

A hearty and nutritious dish combining ground beef and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Perrie Lawson

Recipe Type: Warm & Tasty

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 4 cups fresh spinach
  3. 1 medium onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  8. 1 teaspoon paprika
  9. 1/2 cup beef broth
  10. 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 02

Once the beef is browned, add the fresh spinach, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs or spices. You can also substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 30g