Creamy Beef and Spinach Skillet

This skillet meal is a true time saver.. a perfect weeknight meal and delicious too.   On the table in under 30 minutes.... perfect!

This started out as a low carb recipe.. and it really is fairly low per serving.. but you can change it up to fit your tastes and needs... read on...

TIPS

I used Philadelphia Cooking Creme... Savory Garlic...  there are a number of recipes that use cream cheese and garlic.. I figured why not try the cooking creme.. nothing ventured nothing gained...

I know my recipe adds garlic as well... while the cooking creme had a garlicy flavor when I tasted it before adding it in... once cooked with the meat and the other ingredients... the garlic flavor almost disappears... but if you don't want to trust me on that... leave it out and taste it before adding the mozzarella... then add garlic powder to taste... I figure you will need about a teaspoon.

You could add mushrooms to this... but be aware the spinach draws water after it's added... and so will the mushrooms.. you will need to cook it off before adding the cooking creme... so you will be adding about 15 minutes of simmer time to your cooking time.

I microwaved the frozen spinach... I didn't add water to it to cook.. it will be wet enough on its own... if you see water in the bottom of your dish.. make sure to scoop out the spinach with a slotted spoon.. you don't need any excess liquid going into the skillet.

I brown very lean ground beef ... so mine doesn't render any fat or hardly any.... after flipping it and browning it.. until it's almost completely browned... then I add the onions... cook them until they're soft...

You could add about a cup of cooked macaroni if you wanted.. that would add more servings and would be a complete meal.. but for those watching the starches.. you can leave them out.. this is hearty and delicious without them.

I used a skillet that could go into the oven... so I could melt the mozzarella and get it to brown ever so slightly.  If you don't have one.. you can put the mixture into a baking dish and bake it.. or if you only want the mozzarella to melt.. you could lower the heat a bit and cover it and allow the cheese to melt.

This will make about 4 servings... I served it with a large side salad...

Recipe:  Creamy Beef and Spinach Skillet

All you need:

1 1/2 pounds very lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 cup cooked frozen spinach, drained

1 container Philadephia Brand Cooking Creme Savory Garlic

1 cup cooked macaroni (optional)

1 cup coarsely shredded mozzarella (pizza style)

All you need to do:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In an oven safe skillet, brown the meat and crumble... just before the meat is finished browning .. remove any excess fat... then add the onions... and cook until soft.

Add the spinach and stir well... add the macaroni if adding it in.... then add the cooking creme and stir again.... cook for about 5 minutes...  then sprinkle the top with the mozzarella and place the skillet into the oven.. and bake until cheese is melted and starts to brown.

Remove from the oven and serve.