Ground Beef And Spinach Rice Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Spinach Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup uncooked rice; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Favorites

I love making this Ground Beef and Spinach Rice Skillet on busy weeknights when I need a hearty meal in a hurry. The combination of flavorful ground beef, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked rice comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also packs a nutritional punch, thanks to the vibrant greens. Plus, the whole family enjoys this dish, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing!

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-02-10T18:29:36.531Z

When I first tried making this Ground Beef and Spinach Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it was. I sautéed the ground beef with aromatic spices and fresh garlic before adding the rice and spinach, creating a one-pan dish that didn’t skimp on taste. One of my favorite tips is to use spinach at the end of cooking to retain its bright green color and nutritional value; it wilts perfectly without losing its vibrant freshness!

Throughout the week, I often find myself coming back to this recipe because of its versatility. We’ve switched up the spices depending on what we have on hand, and sometimes, I even toss in other leftover vegetables to make it a clean-out-the-fridge meal! The fact that it’s ready in just 30 minutes makes it a staple in our household.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pan dish for easy cleanup
Packed with protein and nutrients
Quick cooking time perfect for busy nights

Mastering One-Pan Cooking

One of the standout features of this Ground Beef and Spinach Rice Skillet is the one-pan technique, which minimizes the mess in the kitchen. Start by choosing a large, durable skillet that can handle both the sautéing and simmering stages. Make sure to preheat your skillet before adding oil; this ensures that the ingredients cook evenly and prevents sticking. As the beef browns, the fond that forms at the bottom adds depth to the final flavor, so do not rush this stage.

When adding ingredients, pay attention to the order. The aromatics, such as onion and garlic, should be sautéed first to release their essential oils before the beef is added. This layering of flavors creates a complex base for your dish. Also, don't hesitate to stir occasionally to promote even cooking, especially when you add the rice and spices; you want to ensure every grain gets infused with flavor.

Optimizing Ingredients for Flavor and Nutrition

The choice of spices in this recipe greatly enhances the overall taste. Paprika adds a mild sweetness along with a slight smokiness, which complements the richness of the ground beef. Cumin introduces an earthy undertone; using freshly ground cumin can heighten these flavors even more. You can also experiment with different spices to personalize the dish. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes.

Fresh spinach not only boosts nutrition but also contributes to the dish’s color and texture. If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute—just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid adding excess moisture. Additionally, this dish can easily be tailored to include other veggies; bell peppers or peas can provide a nice crunch and incorporate even more vitamins into the meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup uncooked rice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Steps

Sauté the beef

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.

Add the rice and spices

Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the uncooked rice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.

Cook with broth

Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Stir in spinach and serve

In the last few minutes of cooking, fold in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt down. Once everything is cooked, give it a good stir and serve hot!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, top with grated cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, store the Ground Beef and Spinach Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. When reheating, consider adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, this skillet meal can also be frozen. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and make sure to label them with the date before placing them in the freezer. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing it with a side salad or crusty bread to counterbalance the richness of the beef. A simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette can add freshness and complement the dish’s flavors perfectly.

For a fun twist, consider serving the Ground Beef and Spinach Rice Skillet in bowls topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a creamy texture that contrasts with the tender rice and savory beef.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will require longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be used as alternatives.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils or use a meat substitute, and stick with vegetable broth.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or your favorite herbs like basil or oregano.