Discover our Easy Beef & Spinach Rice Skillet packed with bold flavors. A quick, delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Try it today!
Why You’ll Love It
Enjoy this Easy Beef & Spinach Rice Skillet packed with bold flavors that come together in one delicious pan. It’s a simple, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balanced dish of protein, veggies, and rice. Plus, it’s quick to prepare with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (brown rice works too, just increase cooking time)
- 2 cups beef broth (can replace with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (kale or swiss chard also work well)
- 1 small onion, diced (shallots or green onions are good alternatives)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (any neutral cooking oil can be used)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink.
- Mix in the rice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to let the rice absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Uncover, stir in the chopped spinach, and continue cooking for 3 more minutes until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
Serve hot and enjoy a satisfying one-pan meal full of flavor and nutrients. For more easy recipes that make weeknight cooking a breeze, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners collection.
Expert Tips
To make sure your Easy Beef & Spinach Rice Skillet packed with bold flavors turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, frozen spinach works but drain excess liquid before adding.
- Adjust spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat.
- Let the skillet rest covered off the heat for 5 minutes after cooking to let rice fluff up.
- For a cheesier touch, sprinkle grated cheddar or mozzarella over the top just before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying.
Variations
- Vegan: Swap ground beef for plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth. Omit any dairy toppings.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you confirm your broth is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Skip cheese or choose a nondairy cheese alternative if desired.
- Refined Sugar-Free: The recipe contains no added sugars.
FAQ
- What makes Easy Beef & Spinach Rice Skillet packed with bold flavors?
- The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and beef broth creates a rich, savory base while fresh spinach adds a bright, earthy balance.
- Can I use other greens besides spinach?
- Yes, kale, swiss chard, or even collard greens can be used instead of spinach. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are tender.
- How can I make this recipe quicker?
- Using pre-cooked rice or leftover rice can reduce the cooking time drastically. Add it near the end to heat through.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners.
- Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
- Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works well in this beef and spinach rice skillet recipe.
Call to Action
If you tried this Easy Beef & Spinach Rice Skillet packed with bold flavors, please leave a comment below. Rate the recipe, save it for later, and share with friends who love quick and tasty meals. For more ideas, browse our Ground Beef Recipes or visit Food Network for inspiration.
