Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish combining lean ground beef with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and classic Mediterranean ingredients like Kalamata olives and feta cheese. Quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix in olives and parsley: Add sliced Kalamata olives and fresh parsley, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Finish with lemon and feta: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Serve: Serve hot directly from the skillet accompanied by your choice of rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for spiciness.
- Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor but can be omitted for a lower sodium option.
- Serve with grains such as rice, quinoa, or couscous to make it a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
