Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish, combining lean ground beef with fresh vegetables and classic Mediterranean spices. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner packed with bold flavors, finished with a bright lemon juice drizzle and a sprinkle of salty feta cheese for authentic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and beef.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary to reduce fat content.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper and zucchini half-moons. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some bite.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and ingredients.
- Simmer Flavors: Continue cooking the mixture for 3-4 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully together.
- Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon to add a fresh, tangy brightness to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for an authentic Mediterranean touch and added texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Serve over cooked rice, couscous, or alongside warm pita bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that no processed seasonings with gluten are added.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
