Description
Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? Try this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry recipe for a flavorful meal tonight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454g) lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but authentic)
- ½ cup (20g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup (10g) fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- ½ cup (75g) kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ⅓ cup (50g) crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Before heating your pan, have all ingredients prepped and ready. Slice all vegetables, measure spices, and chop herbs. This mise en place approach ensures smooth cooking without scrambling for ingredients while your beef overcooks. Pat your ground beef dry with paper towels to promote better browning.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a brown crust. Then break it apart with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes total. Transfer the browned beef to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Step 3: Cook the Aromatics Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same pan. When hot, add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Add Remaining Vegetables Add the zucchini to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still firm. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook just until they begin to burst, about 2 minutes more. The tomatoes will release their juices, creating a light sauce.
- Step 5: Combine and Finish Return the browned beef to the pan, adding the olives and lemon juice. Stir to combine everything thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry from heat and fold in most of the fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and the remaining herbs just before serving.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg