Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish combining lean ground beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Enhanced with Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and tangy feta cheese, it offers a perfect balance of savory and zesty Mediterranean flavors. Quick to prepare, this recipe is ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner served over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Spices
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 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
Finishing Ingredients
- ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill the kitchen.
- Cook the 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 any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- Incorporate olives and parsley: Add the sliced Kalamata olives and fresh parsley to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Finish with lemon and feta: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the lemon juice, then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Serve: Serve hot directly from the skillet with your choice of rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use extra-lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with warm pita or crusty bread instead of grains for a variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain flavors and texture.
