Description
When you need a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, look no further than this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry. It’s a beautiful balance of savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and warm Mediterranean spices, all cooked to perfection in one pan.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Toppings & Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ tsp sumac for extra tang (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
- Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Freshness
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and optional pine nuts for extra crunch.
Notes
- For the best texture, use 85% lean ground beef—it has enough fat for flavor but won’t be greasy.
- Let the beef brown without stirring too much to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
- Add fresh lemon juice and parsley at the end for a burst of brightness.
- If serving with rice or quinoa, cook it ahead for a fast and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg