Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry featuring lean ground beef sautéed with fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. This quick and easy skillet dish combines savory herbs and fresh parsley to bring Mediterranean vibes to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Slice the zucchini and red bell pepper, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh parsley. Set aside the crumbled feta cheese and pitted kalamata olives for later use.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped red onion and minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini and chopped red bell pepper and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the pitted kalamata olives and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the dish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, drizzle with a little more olive oil for extra richness. Serve the stir-fry hot, enjoying the blend of Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
- Kalamata olives add a distinct salty and tangy flavor; you can adjust the quantity based on preference.
- If feta cheese is unavailable, a similar crumbly cheese like cotija or ricotta salata can be substituted.
- For added texture, consider topping with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.
- This dish pairs well with couscous, quinoa, or a side of warm pita bread.
