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Spinach and Bacon Beef Skillet: Quick, Hearty One-Pan Dinner
One-pan spinach and bacon beef skillet: easy, savory, and ready in under 35 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This is a fast, weeknight-friendly beef skillet that combines smoky bacon, wilted spinach, and savory beef in one pan. It’s suitable for busy households, comfort-food lovers, and anyone craving a hearty, low-fuss dinner.
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Key takeaways
One-pan dinner with protein, greens, and bacon flavors.
Ready in about 35 minutes start-to-finish.
Simple, flexible—great with various greens or spices.
Recipe guide
This is a fast, weeknight-friendly beef skillet that combines smoky bacon, wilted spinach, and savory beef in one pan. It’s suitable for busy households, comfort-food lovers, and anyone craving a hearty, low-fuss dinner.
A simple skillet that comes together fast and tastes great.
- One-pan dinner with protein, greens, and bacon flavors.
- Ready in about 35 minutes start-to-finish.
- Simple, flexible—great with various greens or spices.
Ingredients (scaled for 4–6 servings)
- 1000 g minced beef (or 2 x 500 g packs) - 400 g streaky bacon - 150 g spinach - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 clove garlic
Method
1) Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. 2) Add bacon; cook until crisp, 5–7 minutes. Remove and drain, leaving fat. 3) Add beef; brown 6–8 minutes. 4) Lower heat to medium, add garlic; cook 30–60 seconds. 5) Return bacon; stir. 6) Add spinach in batches until wilted. 7) Season with salt and pepper; cook 1–2 minutes more. 8) Serve hot.
Tips and substitutions
- Use pancetta or pork belly if bacon isn’t available. - Swap spinach for kale or chard. - For lower fat, drain excess fat after browning beef. - Add a splash of Worcestershire or Dijon for depth.
Ingredients
- 500 g minced beef
- 200 g streaky bacon
- 150 g spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp and browned, about 5–7 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
- Add the minced beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and brown until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the beef and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pan and stir to combine with the beef.
- Add the spinach in batches, stirring until wilted before adding more.
- Season with salt and black pepper and stir to distribute evenly.
- Cook another 1–2 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I halve the recipe for 2 people?
Yes. Use half the beef and bacon, keep the others ingredients proportional.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool fully, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2–3 months.
What are good sides?
Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.