Garlic-Simmered Beef and Spinach Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef simmered with garlic and spinach create a quick, nutrient-packed Whole30 skillet dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs grass-fed beef sirloin, thinly sliced, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced grass-fed beef sirloin and sear for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet, stirring constantly to wilt the leaves evenly, about 2-3 minutes. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the skillet before serving to brighten the flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Simmered Beef and Spinach Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Simmered Beef and Spinach Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Simmered Beef and Spinach Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Simmered Beef and Spinach Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic-Simmered Beef and Spinach Skillet whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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