Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta – Easy One-Pan Dinner

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Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is one of those meals that feels like it was meant to happen—especially when it comes together with simple ingredients you already have. One late evening, tired and craving something warm, I opened the fridge and spotted a pound of ground beef, fresh spinach, and a block of feta. What happened next became a favorite in my weeknight rotation.

The moment diced onions hit the olive oil, the kitchen came alive with that cozy, familiar aroma. Garlic followed close behind, then beef sizzling to golden-brown perfection. When I added the spinach and watched it soften into the skillet, I knew it was going to be one of those meals you remember. A handful of crumbled feta melted just slightly from the heat, creating a creamy, tangy finish that brought it all together.

I didn’t even plate it—just grabbed a fork and stood at the stove, savoring every bite. It was simple, hearty, and exactly what I needed.

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Why This Recipe Works Every Time

What makes this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta so satisfying isn’t just the flavor—it’s how effortlessly it comes together. You don’t need anything fancy. Just a few everyday ingredients, one skillet, and less than 30 minutes.

It’s the balance that really makes this dish shine. The ground beef brings richness and protein, while the spinach adds a fresh, vibrant layer that lightens everything up. A pinch of paprika and dried oregano give it just enough warmth and depth. And then there’s the feta—crumbled over the top, slightly melted, tangy, and creamy. It brings a salty punch that ties it all together.

This recipe is also incredibly flexible. Serve it straight from the skillet for a no-fuss dinner, or pair it with something like Greek smashed potatoes with feta for a heartier meal. It’s even delicious spooned over toast or tucked into a warm pita.

If you enjoy flavor-packed dishes like chicken with peaches and thyme-infused honey lemon sauce, this skillet will feel like home—simple, quick, and full of honest flavor.

Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, this dish delivers every single time.

 Ingredients & Preparation

What You’ll Need for This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

One of my favorite things about this dish is that the ingredients are so basic yet bold. If you cook even occasionally, you probably already have most of these in your kitchen. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1 pound	Lean (85/15) works great
Fresh spinach	2 cups, chopped	Packed, or sub with frozen (thawed and squeezed dry)
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	Extra virgin preferred
Onion	1 medium, diced	Yellow or white
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Fresh for best flavor
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon	Greek or Italian-style
Paprika	1 teaspoon	Smoked or sweet, your choice
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Always season as you go
Feta cheese	½ cup, crumbled	Use block-style for best texture
Fresh parsley	¼ cup, chopped	For garnish (optional but lovely)

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is not only flavorful, but also packed with protein, greens, and satisfying textures.

Tools and Substitutions You Can Count On

You don’t need any special equipment for this skillet meal—just one large nonstick or cast iron skillet, a wooden spoon, and a sharp knife for prepping the vegetables.

If you’re out of fresh spinach, frozen spinach works well—just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture after thawing. You can also swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take, though beef does bring a bit more richness.

As for the feta, feel free to experiment. I sometimes use herbed feta for a fun twist, especially when serving alongside something like lemon ricotta and spinach pasta for a more indulgent spread. If you enjoy bold Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is also delicious with a sprinkle of chili flakes or even a spoon of harissa stirred in near the end.

Want to keep it low-carb? Try serving it over cauliflower mash or tucked into lettuce wraps. Or, for something heartier, pair it with roasted salmon and creamy spinach-red pepper sauce.

Whatever you have on hand, this dish adapts easily—making it ideal for busy nights.

 Cooking Instructions & Tips

Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

This recipe is truly about simplicity and speed. From stovetop to table in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you need something nourishing and quick.

1. Heat the skillet
   Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and let it sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

2. Stir in the garlic
   Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

3. Brown the beef
   Crumble in 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned.

4. Season the meat
   Sprinkle in the oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, letting the spices coat the beef evenly.

5. Add spinach
   Fold in the chopped spinach and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until just wilted.

6. Add feta and finish
   Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Let it melt slightly into the dish without stirring.

7. Garnish and serve
   Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips and Tricks for Getting It Just Right

• Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter fast. Keep your heat moderate.

• Use a block of feta: It crumbles better and melts with more flavor than pre-packaged crumbles.

• Drain excess fat: If your beef is very fatty, drain off a little grease before adding spinach.

• Fresh is best, but frozen works too: If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze dry before adding it in.

• Let it rest before serving: Giving it just 2–3 minutes off the heat helps flavors meld and feta soften.

This skillet dish is perfect on its own or served as a base for something bigger. Pair it with stuffed sweet potatoes with spinach, mushroom & feta for a cozy, feel-good dinner. Or spoon it over creamy polenta for an ultra-satisfying twist.

Serving, Storing & Pairing

The Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta

This dish is delicious straight from the skillet—but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood.

If you’re keeping things low-carb, serve it over cauliflower rice or roasted veggies. On busier nights, I love spooning it into warm pita bread for a quick wrap or even stuffing it into bell peppers and baking them for 15 minutes.

For something more indulgent, try plating it with a scoop of Greek smashed potatoes with feta or alongside golden crispy chicken with parmesan mushroom sauce for a full dinner spread.

Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:

• With couscous or orzo for a Mediterranean twist

• Over creamy mashed potatoes

• Tucked into tortillas with extra greens

• On toasted sourdough or flatbread

This dish also makes a fabulous brunch option when topped with a fried egg or served with roasted potatoes and olives. Honestly? It’s one of those meals that works anytime.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers? You’re in luck. This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta holds up beautifully and is just as delicious the next day.

To Store:

• Cool the skillet to room temperature

• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days

To Reheat:

• Microwave in 45-second bursts, stirring in between

• Or, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth

Avoid microwaving it too long or the feta may overcook and lose its creamy bite.

This recipe also freezes well! Just leave out the feta and parsley before freezing. Add them fresh once you reheat.

If you’re a fan of reheat-friendly skillet meals, you’ll also enjoy the flavors in stuffed sweet potatoes with spinach, mushroom & feta—they make fantastic next-day lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen spinach works just fine in this recipe. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This keeps your dish from turning watery.

What kind of ground beef is best?

A lean ground beef like 85/15 gives you flavor without too much grease. If using something fattier, just drain off the excess fat after browning the meat.

Does this dish work for meal prep?

Absolutely. This ground beef and spinach skillet with feta stores beautifully and reheats well, making it a great option for lunches or dinner throughout the week.

How can I make this dairy-free?

You can skip the feta entirely or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still be hearty and satisfying.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all blend in beautifully. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the beef.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet with Feta is more than just a fast dinner—it’s a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a little kitchen magic to your table. From the savory sizzle of ground beef to the melt-in-your-mouth finish of feta and wilted greens, every bite feels deeply satisfying without being heavy.

Whether you’re rushing through a busy evening or simply want a wholesome one-pan meal, this dish won’t let you down. It’s earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation—and once you try it, I bet it will in yours too.

If you’re craving more ideas in the same flavor family, you’ll also enjoy this refreshing take on Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry by Downshiftology—another quick and healthy dinner loaded with herbs and vegetables.

For more one-pan or spinach-rich meals, try the creamy finish of lemon ricotta and spinach pasta or the nourishing roasted salmon with creamy spinach and red pepper.

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