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Creamy One-Skillet Tuscan Ground Beef Recipe Easy and Perfect for Dinner

creamy one-skillet tuscan ground beef - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Tuscan ground beef dish made in one skillet with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach (about 120g), loosely packed
  • ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, a pinch

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  4. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the fresh baby spinach in batches, stirring continuously until the leaves wilt and reduce in volume, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving warm straight from the skillet.

Notes

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor and texture; soak dry-packed tomatoes in warm water for 10 minutes before use. For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with low-fat cream or half-and-half. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to ensure proper searing. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream; if too thin, simmer longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan ground beef, creamy skillet recipe, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, comfort food