Description
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry brings together the bold flavors of sun-drenched regions in a quick, satisfying skillet meal that comes together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!” Grab your favorite pan and let Mediterranean spices whisk your taste buds on a delicious journey through aromatic herbs and savory meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ teaspoon sumac for extra tang (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Sauté your finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until your kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.
- Introduce 1 pound ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano over the meat.
- Cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.
- Toss in 1 diced bell pepper and 1 diced zucchini. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes and ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the mixture.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Optional: Garnish with ¼ cup toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and ½ teaspoon sumac for a tangy finish.
Notes
- Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning aromatics and ensure even cooking of ground beef.
- Break ground beef into small crumbles for better texture and faster, more uniform browning.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference, so chop parsley right before adding for maximum flavor and brightness.
- For a lower-carb version, serve this stir-fry over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
- Prep Time: 23 minutes 30 seconds
- Cook Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
- Category: Stir-Fried
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg