Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the rich tastes of the Mediterranean in a fast and satisfying meal. This delicious recipe combines juicy ground beef with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a delightful explosion of flavors. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a bustling family gathering, this stir fry is not only easy to prepare but also a nutritious option that guarantees to please everyone at the table. If you’re looking for a quick and wholesome recipe, our step-by-step guide will make creating this mouthwatering dish a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the main reasons you’ll fall in love with Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is its remarkably simple preparation. With minimal ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special yet is user-friendly for busy nights. Moreover, this recipe quickly comes together in around 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for families or individuals who crave delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen. The colorful array of veggies not only makes it visually appealing but also contributes to its nutritional value. Trust me; this hearty, comforting meal will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: The savory and succulent base of this dish, ground beef adds richness and satiation to every bite.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: This golden liquid brings healthy fats and a distinct flavor to enhance the other ingredients.
• 1 onion, chopped: Aromatic and slightly sweet, the onion forms the flavorful foundation for this stir fry.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a delightful punch, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma while it cooks.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweet and crunchy, red bell pepper not only adds color but also a fantastic texture to the dish.
• 1 zucchini, sliced: This green gem introduces a fresh flavor and moisture, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness, cherry tomatoes provide a fresh and sweet contrast to the savory components.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb, oregano imparts a warm, earthy flavor that blends perfectly with the vegetables and beef.
• 1 tsp paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and vibrant color, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance all the flavors.
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: This vibrant green herb adds a refreshing touch and a dash of color to the finished dish.
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional): A creamy, tangy addition that gives a wonderful Mediterranean flair to the stir fry.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Begin by warming the olive oil in your skillet. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it’s the perfect temperature for cooking.

2. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
   Once the oil is ready, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together, stirring frequently until they become soft and aromatic.

3. Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
   Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. After about 5 to 7 minutes, the beef should be browned. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off.

4. Stir in bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
   Add the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini next. Stir them into the mixture and cook until they become tender yet still crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Add cherry tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
   Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes along with the oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the flavors meld together for 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Remove from heat, top with parsley and optional feta, and serve as-is or with rice, quinoa, or warm pita.
   Take the skillet off the heat and garnish the stir fry with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese, if desired. This dish can be served directly or alongside rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread for an extra touch.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry experience, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest just before serving for an extra zest. This addition will brighten up the flavors and create a refreshing contrast with the richness of the beef. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in other seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale, or even add a handful of olives for an authentic touch.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This stir fry is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to accommodate your taste. Pair it with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices, and offer warm pita for an authentic Mediterranean experience. For a more substantial meal, you can even serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad. This dish makes a great choice for casual weeknight dinners, meal prep for the week, or even as a potluck contribution.

Nutritional Information

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is not only delicious but nutritious as well. A serving of this dish averages around 350 calories, which includes a healthy balance of protein and veggies. The ground beef provides essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, while the colorful vegetables contribute vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making this meal a wholesome option for any diet.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store any leftovers, allow the stir fry to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to freeze it, portion the stir fry into meal-size servings in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, simply allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it if you’re in a hurry. For variations, feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or try using different vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Conclusion

I encourage you to give this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry a try! Not only is it straightforward and quick to prepare, but the vibrant flavors and textures will undoubtedly satisfy your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it alone or with family and friends, this dish is sure to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. After making it, please share your experience or any variations you tried – I would love to hear about your culinary adventures!

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
   Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Yes! This stir fry keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

3. Can I add more vegetables to this stir fry?
   Definitely! Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach, eggplant, or mushrooms, to personalize your stir fry.

4. How can I make it spicier?
   For those who enjoy a kick, adding red pepper flakes or a diced spicy pepper when cooking the onion and garlic can provide the spice you’re looking for.

5. What can I serve with this dish?
   This stir fry is delicious on its own but pairs excellently with rice, quinoa, pasta, or warm pita. You can also serve it alongside a Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean feast.

Print Recipe

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines ground beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs for a quick and wholesome meal.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mediterranean

Keyword: Easy Dinner, Ground Beef, Healthy Recipe, Mediterranean Cuisine, Stir Fry

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef The savory and succulent base of this dish.
• 2 tbsp olive oil Brings healthy fats and flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped Forms the flavorful foundation.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds a delightful punch and aroma.
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced Provides color and texture.
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced Adds fresh flavor and moisture.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Contributes juiciness and sweetness.
• 1 tsp dried oregano Imparts a classic Mediterranean flavor.
• 1 tsp paprika Adds smokiness and vibrant color.
• to taste salt and black pepper Essential seasonings.
• to taste fresh chopped parsley, for garnish Adds a refreshing touch.
• optional crumbled feta cheese Gives a tangy Mediterranean flair.

Instructions

Cooking

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
• Stir in bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Add cherry tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
• Remove from heat, top with parsley and optional feta, and serve as-is or with rice, quinoa, or warm pita.

Notes

Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest just before serving. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and throw in seasonal veggies like spinach or kale for variety.