Savory Ground Beef and Spinach Quiche
Highlighted under: Comfort Recipes
I adore making quiche, especially when it’s packed with savory flavors like ground beef and fresh spinach. This quiche has quickly become a favorite in our household due to its impressive combination of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky crust complements the tender beef and vibrant spinach, creating a dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying. Perfect for brunch or a cozy family dinner, I love serving it warm with a side salad for a complete meal.
When I first experimented with a savory quiche, I had my doubts about combining beef and spinach. However, the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The rich, savory flavors meld perfectly, and I recommend using fresh spinach to enhance the overall taste and texture. You won't regret trying this recipe!
This quiche holds up beautifully, making it an ideal dish for gatherings. I often prepare it ahead of time and simply warm it up before serving, allowing all the flavors to intensify. Trust me on the crust - a homemade flaky crust makes all the difference!
Why You'll Love This Quiche
- Delicious blend of savory beef and fresh spinach
- Flaky and buttery homemade crust that elevates the dish
- Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner with endless serving options
Understanding the Ingredients
Each component in this quiche plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. The ground beef adds a rich, savory element that pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach, which not only provides color but also a subtle earthiness. When cooking the beef, make sure it’s browned evenly—this enhances the depth of flavor. I recommend using lean ground beef to maintain a good texture without excess grease weighing it down.
The choice of cheese is equally important. While cheddar adds a classic taste, experimenting with a blend of cheeses can elevate the quiche. A sharper cheese will give a more pronounced flavor, whereas a milder cheese can create creaminess without overpowering the dish. Feel free to add a bit of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist!
Baking Techniques for Perfect Results
The success of your quiche largely depends on the crust. To achieve a flaky, buttery texture, ensure that the butter remains cold throughout the mixing process. When blending the butter into the flour, stop just before it becomes a uniform mixture; small, visible pieces of butter are key for flakiness. After refrigerating the dough, rolling it out should be done gently, as overworking can develop gluten, making the crust tough rather than tender.
When it comes to baking, check for doneness by gently shaking the quiche. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquidy, and the edges should be golden brown. If you notice the crust darkening too fast, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning while the filling cooks through. Allow the quiche to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the filling set further, making for cleaner slices.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Savory Ground Beef and Spinach Quiche:
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ice water (add more if needed)
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
With these ingredients, you're set to whip up a delightful quiche that will impress everyone!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Savory Ground Beef and Spinach Quiche:
Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water until the dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Stir in the cheese and add the cooled beef and spinach mixture into this egg mixture. Combine well.
Assemble the Quiche
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing to fit. Pour the filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade quiche warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or basil to the filling. You can also swap out the cheese for your favorite variety to personalize the quiche further.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover quiche, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. To keep the crust crisp, I recommend reheating it in the oven rather than the microwave. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore the flaky texture while warming the filling thoroughly.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing the quiche before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, until the filling is set and heated through.
Variations and Customizations
This quiche is versatile, allowing room for creativity! You can substitute the beef with cooked sausage or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adding sautéed peppers or tomatoes can further enhance the flavor while introducing a medley of colors. If you’re looking to increase the nutritional profile, incorporating other greens like kale or Swiss chard can be a great addition.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or basil to the filling. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish without much effort. Don’t hesitate to play around with the spices—just a pinch of nutmeg can work wonders in quiche, balancing the richness of the cream and eggs beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare the quiche ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the quiche ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with quiche?
Quiche pairs well with a light salad, fresh fruit, or even a savory soup for a hearty meal.
→ Can I substitute other vegetables for spinach?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
→ How should I store leftover quiche?
Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Savory Ground Beef and Spinach Quiche
I adore making quiche, especially when it’s packed with savory flavors like ground beef and fresh spinach. This quiche has quickly become a favorite in our household due to its impressive combination of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky crust complements the tender beef and vibrant spinach, creating a dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying. Perfect for brunch or a cozy family dinner, I love serving it warm with a side salad for a complete meal.
What You'll Need
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ice water (add more if needed)
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water until the dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Stir in the cheese and add the cooled beef and spinach mixture into this egg mixture. Combine well.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing to fit. Pour the filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or basil to the filling. You can also swap out the cheese for your favorite variety to personalize the quiche further.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g