Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

A quick and flavorful Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is the perfect dish for a healthy and satisfying meal. Packed with vibrant vegetables, lean ground beef, and aromatic spices, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. Whether served over rice, couscous, or wrapped in lettuce, it’s a versatile option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Healthy and Nutritious: High in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables and spices.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully for meal planning.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Season the Dish: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices.
5. Add Finishing Touches: Stir in the sliced olives, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley. Squeeze lemon juice over the stir fry and mix well.
6. Serve: Enjoy warm as is, over rice or couscous, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Variations

• Make it Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with lentils or chickpeas.
• Add More Greens: Toss in spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of harissa or cayenne for extra heat.
• Try Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, chicken, or turkey.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative while still absorbing all the Mediterranean flavors.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with rice, quinoa, couscous, pita bread, or even as a salad topping.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Store in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, if served without rice or grains, it fits well into a low-carb diet.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a dollop of harissa paste.

What type of olives should I use?

Kalamata olives add the best Mediterranean flavor, but you can use green olives if preferred.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the stir fry.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What other vegetables can I add?

Eggplant, mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts make great additions.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh oregano, basil, or thyme will enhance the flavors even more.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices, it’s a meal that satisfies while keeping things light and nutritious. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for the family, this recipe is a must-try for any Mediterranean food lover!

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