Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory ground beef with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and tangy lemon juice. Finished with crumbled feta and parsley, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 & 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 the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing the base for sautéing your aromatics and beef.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and softened, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but retain some texture.
- Season and add tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes along with ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer flavors: Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and the spices to meld with the beef and vegetables.
- Finish with lemon juice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon to add brightness and balance to the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- You can substitute ground lamb or turkey for the beef if preferred.
- Serve with warm pita bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your preference before finishing the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
