After that, I add the ground beef to the skillet. Breaking it apart with my spatula, I cook it until it’s nicely browned—around 5-7 minutes. The savory scent of the beef combined with the sautéed veggies is simply irresistible! Once the meat is cooked through, I season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, giving it a good stir to combine flavors. Then, I pour in the heavy cream, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for about a minute.
Now for my favorite part—cheese time! I stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness envelop everything, leaving me with a dreamy, rich skillet meal. Finally, I fold in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt for a minute before giving it a final taste-check to adjust the seasoning. Oh, it’s so satisfying to see it all come together!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve experimented with different cheeses for this dish, and trust me when I say that sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. I once tried feta, and while it was delicious in its own right, it lacked that comforting cheesiness we all love. Additionally, I’ve added a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick, which worked wonders for lifting the overall flavor.
Another tip I learned along the way is to add the spinach just before serving. If you overcook it, it can lose its vibrant green color and fresh taste. Keeping it minimally cooked ensures it retains some of that lovely texture and nutrients. Whenever I serve it, I love garnishing with fresh parsley or even green onions for a pop of color and freshness!
Lastly, if you want a touch of crunch, top it off with some crispy bacon bits or fried shallots. It’s a delightful contrast that adds an extra layer of flavor, and I can’t get enough of that savory crunch against the creamy skillet dish!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I’ve made in the past is not draining excess fat from the ground beef. Depending on the meat you use, it can release a lot of grease, which can make the dish overly greasy and heavy. I recommend using lean ground beef and draining any excess fat after browning before adding the cream and cheese. (See the next page below to continue…)