Ground Beef Spinach Skillet with Feta (Healthy, High Protein & Easy Weeknight Dinner)
There are nights when dinner feels like one more decision in an already long day. I wrote this Ground Beef Spinach Skillet with Feta recipe after one of those evenings — when I wanted something healthy, deeply satisfying, and fast enough to qualify as a true easy weeknight dinner.
I didn’t want a complicated casserole. I didn’t want multiple pots. I needed a one pan meal that delivered flavor, comfort, and enough high protein to keep everyone full. What came together was a Mediterranean-inspired skillet filled with lean ground beef, fresh spinach, garlic, and creamy feta. Simple ingredients, real flavor, and clean eating comfort in under 30 minutes.
If you’re looking for a reliable dinner that feels nourishing without being heavy, this is the one you’ll come back to again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Spinach Skillet with Feta
- High protein and naturally low carb
- Ready in about 25–30 minutes
- Made in one pan (minimal cleanup)
- Full of whole, clean ingredients
- Family-friendly but flavorful enough for adults
- Perfect for meal prep
The combination of savory beef, tender spinach, and salty feta creates a balanced bite — hearty but fresh. It’s the kind of healthy meal that doesn’t feel like you’re sacrificing comfort.
Ingredients (Exact US Measurements)
This recipe serves 4 generous portions.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz) lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 2 oz)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but recommended)
Ingredient Spotlight: Why This Works
Lean Ground Beef
Using 90% lean beef keeps this meal aligned with clean eating goals while still delivering rich flavor and about 22 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. It’s satisfying without feeling greasy.
Spinach
Fresh spinach adds iron, fiber, and a bright contrast to the beef. It wilts quickly, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Feta Cheese
Feta brings creaminess and saltiness without requiring heavy sauces. A small amount goes a long way in flavor.
Olive Oil & Garlic
These create the aromatic base that makes the skillet taste like it simmered for hours — even though it didn’t.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef Spinach Skillet with Feta
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and allow it to warm for about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
If needed, carefully drain excess fat — though with 90% lean beef, there’s usually very little.
Step 4: Season in Layers
Stir in oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to deepen flavor.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Add the 5 ounces of fresh spinach in batches. It will look like a lot at first, but it wilts quickly. Stir gently until fully incorporated, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
Turn off heat. Stir in lemon juice and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle ½ cup crumbled feta evenly over the top. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
That’s it. One pan. Real ingredients. Big flavor.
Kitchen Tools That Make This Recipe Easier
While writing this post, I realized how much the right pan and tools truly shape the cooking experience. Not in a flashy way — but in the quiet way that makes weeknights smoother.
1. Large Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch) - Lodge
A heavy 12-inch cast iron skillet holds heat beautifully and creates even browning on the ground beef. It also moves seamlessly from stovetop to oven if you ever want to finish dishes under the broiler.
If you’ve been wanting one dependable pan that handles nearly everything, this is worth considering. It’s the kind of piece you’ll use for years, not just this recipe.
You can check availability on Amazon if you’d like to see current pricing and reviews.
2. Silicone-Tipped Wooden Spoon
Breaking apart ground beef is easier with a sturdy spoon that won’t scratch your skillet. A silicone-tipped wooden spoon gives control without damaging cookware.
It sounds simple, but having one comfortable tool you reach for every night makes cooking feel less like a chore.
If you need a durable option, you can browse trusted choices on Amazon here.
3. Glass Meal Prep Containers with Lids
This high protein skillet is perfect for leftovers. Good glass containers keep meals fresh and make weekday lunches feel intentional.
I personally love using clear containers because seeing ready-to-go healthy meals in the fridge removes decision fatigue.
You can explore highly rated glass meal prep sets on Amazon to see which size fits your needs.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Use a 12-inch skillet so the beef browns instead of steams.
- Season gradually. Add salt in stages rather than all at once.
- Use fresh spinach. Frozen works, but fresh keeps the texture vibrant.
- Add feta off heat. This keeps it creamy instead of melted into the beef.
Ways to Serve It
This Ground Beef Spinach Skillet with Feta is flexible depending on your goals:
- Serve alone for a low carb, high protein bowl
- Spoon over 1 cup cooked quinoa for extra fiber
- Pair with cauliflower rice for a light dinner
- Wrap in warm whole wheat pita
- Top with a fried egg for extra protein
Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 380–420
- Protein: 32–35g
- Carbohydrates: 8–10g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
These numbers make it an excellent high protein, healthy, and clean eating option.
Make It Your Own
Swap the Protein
Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully if you prefer a lighter profile.
Add More Vegetables
Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers blend seamlessly into the skillet.
Make It Dairy-Free
Omit feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Store in airtight container up to 4 days in refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in skillet or microwave.
- Freeze up to 2 months (without feta for best texture).
This is one of those meals that tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Final Thoughts
Writing this recipe reminded me why I love simple cooking. Not elaborate plating. Not complicated sauces. Just real food that nourishes and satisfies.
This Ground Beef Spinach Skillet with Feta is proof that a healthy, high protein, easy weeknight dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. With one pan and fresh ingredients, you can create something comforting and balanced in under 30 minutes.
If you try it, I hope it becomes one of those reliable dinners that quietly supports your busy life — the kind you can make without stress, knowing it will turn out beautifully every time.
Happy cooking.
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