Ground Beef And Spinach Skillet Bowl
Highlighted under: Soulful Dishes
I love making this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Bowl for a hearty weeknight dinner. The combination of tender ground beef and nutrient-packed spinach not only provides a great balance of flavor and health, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up in one skillet. With just a few spices to elevate the taste, this dish has become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or grains, making it an everyday meal that never gets boring.
When I first created this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Bowl, I was craving something filling yet packed with nutrients. The earthy flavors of the beef blend perfectly with the sautéed spinach, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying. I’ve found that cooking everything in one skillet not only minimizes cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
To enhance this meal, I like to add a splash of soy sauce and a hint of garlic, which brings out the richness of the beef and brightens the whole dish. This combination has turned what could be a mundane meal into a delightful experience for our dinner table!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple one-pan cleanup for easy cooking.
- Packed with vitamins from fresh spinach.
- Hearty and satisfying for the whole family.
The Role of Spinach
Spinach is more than just a nutrient-dense vegetable; it adds a delightful earthy flavor and vibrant color to our skillet bowl. When you toss in the fresh spinach, aim to cook it just until it's wilted but still vibrant green—about 2-3 minutes. This ensures you maintain not only its nutritional benefits but also its appealing texture that contrasts nicely with the tender ground beef.
Fresh spinach is the star here, but you can easily substitute it with other greens like Swiss chard or kale if you prefer. Just keep in mind that these substitutes might need a slightly longer cooking time to break down. Whichever green you choose, the key is to cook it enough to soften without turning it into mush, preserving that lovely texture.
Timing and Temperature Tips
When cooking the ground beef, it's crucial to use medium heat. This allows the beef to brown properly, developing that rich flavor without burning. Stir occasionally, ensuring even cooking and breaking the meat into small pieces to help it brown uniformly. You’ll know it’s ready to drain when it’s nicely browned and any liquid has mostly evaporated.
Throughout the cooking process, keep an eye on the onions and garlic. Sauté them just until they're tender and fragrant—around 3-4 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent bitterness, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish's overall flavor.
Ingredients
Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Bowl
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences!
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Season the Dish
Pour in the soy sauce, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well and heat for an additional minute.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting skillet bowl!
Garnish with additional spices or toppings based on your taste.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider topping your skillet bowl with grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Customizing Your Bowl
One of the great things about the Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Bowl is its versatility. Want to switch things up a bit? Try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra flavor and texture. You can also incorporate cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice for added heartiness, making it a more filling meal for those with larger appetites.
Another fun twist is to mix in different spices. For a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when you add the soy sauce. Alternatively, for an Italian version, you can sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or even a little parmesan cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
Make-Ahead and Storage
If you’re preparing for a busy week, consider making this skillet bowl ahead of time. You can cook it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s heated through, being careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can become watery.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked mixture for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above. This makes for a convenient meal option without sacrificing flavor or nutrition!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will still work well in this recipe.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or simply use more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef and spinach mixture in advance and reheat it before serving.
→ What sides pair well with this dish?
This skillet bowl can be served alone or with rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ground Beef And Spinach Skillet Bowl
I love making this Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Bowl for a hearty weeknight dinner. The combination of tender ground beef and nutrient-packed spinach not only provides a great balance of flavor and health, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up in one skillet. With just a few spices to elevate the taste, this dish has become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or grains, making it an everyday meal that never gets boring.
Created by: Hallie Foster
Recipe Type: Soulful Dishes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet Bowl
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the soy sauce, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well and heat for an additional minute.
Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting skillet bowl!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider topping your skillet bowl with grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g