Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining savory ground beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Ready in just 25 minutes, it features a vibrant medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, enhanced by ground cumin, oregano, and paprika. Finished with a splash of lemon juice, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley, this skillet meal delivers a deliciously balanced taste of the Mediterranean perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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
Spices and Seasonings
- 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
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini halves. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some texture.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes along with ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Simmer flavors: Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add lemon juice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to add brightness to the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to finish with a tangy, fresh flavor and attractive presentation.
Notes
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
- For a leaner option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Serve with warm pita bread, over rice, or alongside a green salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to make it gluten-free, ensure that the spices and feta cheese have no gluten-containing additives.
