Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

introduction

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry cooks fast and tastes fresh. It mixes seasoned ground beef with bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, and feta. If you like quick ground beef dishes, you may also enjoy Asian ground beef noodles as another easy weeknight meal.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe when you want a fast, filling dinner with bright Mediterranean flavors. It uses simple pantry spices, fresh veg, and feta for a salty finish. The dish works for dinners, meal prep, or filling warm pita.

how to make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Heat a skillet and brown the beef. Add garlic and onion, then spices. Toss in peppers and zucchini until they stay a bit crisp. Add cherry tomatoes last so they stay juicy. Finish with lemon, herbs, and feta. For a creamy twist, try the creamy ground beef gnocchi as a different way to enjoy similar flavors.

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Optional Add-Ins: Kalamata olives, spinach or arugula, red pepper flakes

Directions :

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add garlic and red onion to the beef. Sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Stir in paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook another 1-2 minutes until just softened.
Step 4: Remove from heat. Squeeze lemon juice over the skillet and gently toss. Sprinkle with feta and fresh herbs.
Step 5: Serve hot on its own, over rice or quinoa, or tucked into warm pita.

how to serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or couscous. Spoon it into warm pita bread with a little extra feta or tzatziki. It also works well on a bed of greens for a lighter meal.

how to store Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Let the stir fry cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

• Use medium-high heat to get a good brown on the beef.
• Do not overcook the zucchini and pepper; keep them slightly crisp.
• Drain excess fat if the beef makes a lot of grease.
• Add lemon at the end for bright flavor.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

variation (if any)

• Add Kalamata olives and a pinch of red pepper flakes for more tang and heat.
• Stir in fresh spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with pita and tzatziki to make a Mediterranean sandwich.

FAQs

Q: Can I use lean ground beef?
A: Yes. Lean ground beef works well but may be drier. You can add a little olive oil if needed.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils instead of beef. Keep the same spices and vegetables.

Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish, depending on how soft you want the vegetables.

Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in meal containers. Reheat and add fresh herbs and lemon when ready to eat.

Conclusion

If you want the original recipe source and more tips, see the Downshiftology Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe.

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry cooks fast and tastes fresh, combining seasoned ground beef with bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and feta for a delightful weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef Use lean ground beef if desired.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Add last to keep juicy.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• 1/2 each lemon, juiced

Optional Add-Ins

• Kalamata olives, spinach or arugula, red pepper flakes For additional flavor.

Method

 

Cooking

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add garlic and red onion to the beef. Sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Stir in paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook another 1-2 minutes until just softened.
4. Remove from heat. Squeeze lemon juice over the skillet and gently toss. Sprinkle with feta and fresh herbs.
5. Serve hot on its own, over rice or quinoa, or tucked into warm pita.

Notes

Let the stir fry cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.