Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a delicious and flexible dish that brings fresh flavors to your table. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With healthy ingredients like vegetables and olives, this recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. You can customize it based on your preferences, making it a hit with everyone.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- ½ tsp sumac for extra tang (optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Top with crumbled feta cheese and optional pine nuts for extra crunch.
How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Serve the stir-fry warm in bowls. It goes well over rice, quinoa, or even wrapped in pita bread. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.
How to Store Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
- Use stone-ground spices for better flavor.
- Feel free to add more veggies like spinach or carrots.
- Adjust the heat level by changing the amount of red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Additionally, if you like a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or chickpeas instead of meat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stir-fry and store it in the fridge. It tastes great reheated.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the stir-fry for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when you are ready to eat.
3. What if I don’t have some ingredients?
Feel free to substitute with what you have on hand. Different vegetables and spices can work well in this recipe.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and flexible stir-fry with fresh Mediterranean flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- ½ tsp sumac (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Top with crumbled feta cheese and optional pine nuts for extra crunch.
Notes
Use stone-ground spices for better flavor. Feel free to customize with more veggies or adjust the heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean