High Protein Beef and Spinach Skillet Recipe

This Beef and Spinach Skillet is my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something hearty, protein-packed, and ready in under 20 minutes. I discovered this recipe during my own quest to create satisfying meals that actually deliver on their protein promises.

Last Tuesday, my teenage son walked into the kitchen right as I was browning the beef for this skillet. The smell of garlic and cream filling the air had him asking what smelled so good before he even saw what I was making. That’s when I knew I had a winner. This creamy, one-pan wonder combines savory ground beef with fresh spinach in a rich, cheesy sauce that delivers over 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s comfort food that happens to be incredibly nutritious, low-carb friendly, and so delicious that even my pickiest eaters ask for seconds. You’re going to love this one!

Ingredients for Beef and Spinach Skillet

I always use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe because it provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture without being too greasy. My preference is fresh spinach over frozen – it wilts beautifully and doesn’t add excess moisture to the dish.

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and dried) – I recommend baby spinach for tenderness
• 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat works best for richness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture variety) – My go-to brand is Belgioioso
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated tastes better)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – In my experience, this adds depth without overpowering
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but recommended) – I usually buy the flat-leaf variety

Step-by-Step Instructions

I recommend having all ingredients prepped before you start cooking since this recipe moves quickly once you begin. Use a 12-inch skillet for best results.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no pink remains. The beef should develop a nice golden-brown color and any excess moisture should evaporate.

Step 2: Season the cooked beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat. This step builds the flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with the seasoned beef. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges) and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to coat the back of a spoon and thickens slightly. Don’t let it boil vigorously or the cream may curdle.

Step 4: Add fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if your pan is full. Stir continuously as the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, about 1-2 minutes total. The spinach should be bright green and tender.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Adding cheese slowly prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce that coats everything evenly.

Step 6: Continue simmering on low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. The final consistency should be creamy but not too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve with Beef and Spinach Skillet

This rich, protein-packed skillet pairs beautifully with lighter sides that complement the creamy texture and bold flavors.

Cauliflower Rice: The neutral flavor and fluffy texture make it perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce while keeping the meal low-carb. Try this High-Protein Grilled Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl for another satisfying low-carb dinner option.

Zucchini Noodles: Fresh spiralized zucchini adds a light, refreshing contrast to the rich beef and provides extra vegetables for nutritional balance.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds fresh, clean flavors that brighten the entire meal. For more high-protein salad inspiration, check out this Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad.

Roasted Broccoli: The slightly charred edges and nutty flavor complement the creamy sauce while boosting the vegetable content significantly. For more veggie-packed meals, try these Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds.

Keto Cloud Bread: For those not strictly avoiding carbs, this protein-rich bread is perfect for sopping up every drop of that delicious cream sauce. Try this Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread recipe.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store leftover Beef and Spinach Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it freezes well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.

When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stir frequently and heat in 30-second intervals to prevent the cream from separating.

This versatile dish works beautifully for meal prep and can be portioned into individual containers. Pro tip: slightly undercook it initially if you plan to reheat later, as this prevents the spinach from becoming overcooked during the reheating process. For more meal prep ideas, explore this High-Protein Breakfast Bowl recipe.

Conclusion

Beef and Spinach Skillet

A creamy, high-protein one-pan dinner featuring ground beef and fresh spinach in a rich cheese sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 425

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
• 4 cups fresh spinach washed and dried
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• 12-inch skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no pink remains. The beef should develop a nice golden-brown color.
2. Season the cooked beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with the seasoned beef. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to coat the back of a spoon and thickens slightly.
4. Add fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if needed. Stir continuously as the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, about 1-2 minutes total.
5. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Adding cheese slowly prevents clumping.
6. Continue simmering on low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. The final consistency should be creamy but not too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use a 12-inch skillet for best results. Don’t overcook the spinach – it wilts quickly. Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping. Season to taste at the end.