Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry featuring tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and classic Mediterranean seasonings. This quick and easy skillet meal is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and topped with tangy feta cheese for an authentic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Additional Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Crumbled feta cheese for topping
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Season the Stir-Fry: Stir in the kalamata olives, dried oregano, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness.
- Serve and Garnish: Top the stir-fry with crumbled feta cheese before serving. Enjoy on its own, over rice, quinoa, or wrapped in warm pita bread.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for different flavor profiles.
- Add cooked chickpeas to the stir-fry for a heartier, protein-rich dish.
- Stir in baby spinach at the end for extra greens and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
