30-Minute Ground Beef and Mushroom Skillet with Spinach

Prep: 5 minCook: 20 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
30-Minute Ground Beef and Mushroom Skillet with Spinach

A hearty one-pan dinner featuring ground beef, caramelized onions, and baby bella mushrooms finished with fresh spinach. The onions are quickly caramelized to develop deep flavor, while the mushrooms add earthy richness to the savory beef base. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, protein-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. This versatile skillet can be served over rice, with crusty bread, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
    olive oil1:1

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, chopped
    white mushrooms1:1

    more mild flavor

    Full guide →
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
    ground turkey1:1

    leaner option

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 5 ounces baby spinach
    kale1:1

    heartier greens

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat avocado oil in large skillet over medium-high heat

  2. 2

    Add diced onion and sprinkle with sea salt, cover and cook stirring occasionally until onion begins to brown

  3. 3

    Stir in chopped mushrooms and garlic, continue cooking until mushrooms soften and turn brown

  4. 4

    Move vegetables to one side and add ground beef, allow to brown then break into chunks and mix

  5. 5

    Continue cooking and stirring until ground beef is cooked through with no pink remaining

  6. 6

    Add oregano, spinach, and sea salt, stir well and cover

  7. 7

    Cook until spinach has wilted

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or liquid aminos as desired

  9. 9

    Serve with choice of side dishes

Tips

Tip 1

Move vegetables to one side of the pan when adding beef to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.

Tip 2

Don't skip covering the onions - this helps them caramelize quickly while retaining moisture.

Tip 3

Add a splash of liquid aminos or soy sauce at the end for extra umami depth.

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days

Make Ahead

Can prep vegetables up to 1 day ahead

Serve With

Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip browning the beef properly to avoid a greasy texture

Watch

Add spinach at the end to prevent overcooking and maintain vibrant color

Substitutions

ground beef
ground turkey1:1

leaner option

Full guide →
baby bella mushrooms
white mushrooms1:1

more mild flavor

Full guide →
baby spinach
kale1:1

heartier greens

Full guide →
avocado oil
olive oil1:1

different flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, use about 3 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained well. Add it with the oregano and cook until heated through.

What if I don't have baby bella mushrooms?

Any mushroom variety works - white button, cremini, or portobello all substitute well. Adjust cooking time based on size.

How long will this keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.