Spicy Ground Meat & Chickpea Stew with Spinach

 

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Spicy Ground Meat & Chickpea Stew with Spinach

A protein-packed, one-pot wonder featuring savory ground meat, tender chickpeas, and fresh spinach simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This hearty stew is perfect for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and comes together in under 40 minutes. It's a versatile dish that works beautifully over rice, with crusty bread, or on its own.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or lamb
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Spices: 
• 1 tbsp cumin, 
• 1 tsp paprika, 
• 1 tsp coriander, 
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 
• salt and black pepper
• Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste for extra richness

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. Remove meat and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and all spices (cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste (if using), diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Combine: Return the cooked meat to the pot. Add the rinsed chickpeas. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
5. Add Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, couscous, or with crusty bread.