This Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a tasty blend of juicy beef and colorful veggies, all tossed together with delightful spices. It’s quick to whip up for a busy weeknight meal!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make this dish! I love serving it over rice or couscous for a complete meal. Plus, who doesn’t love a dinner that looks vibrant and tastes amazing? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant-based ground meat could also work if you’re looking for a vegetarian choice.
Bell Peppers: The red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color. Feel free to use green peppers or even other veggies like eggplant or asparagus, depending on what you have at home.
Spices: Oregano and cumin are classic for Mediterranean flavor. If you’re out of these, Italian seasoning can be a good alternative. For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes!
Zucchini: This veggie adds texture and moisture. If zucchini isn’t available, try substituting with diced eggplant or even spinach. Both work well in this stir fry.
Cherry Tomatoes: They lend a juicy freshness. If not in season, use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the stir fry.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef may seem straightforward, but getting it just right is key for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Always break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. Avoid clumping!
- Don’t rush the cooking! Let it brown for about 6–8 minutes on medium-high heat. This develops great flavor.
- Drain any excess fat if it looks greasy. You want a nice texture without being overly oily.
Keep these tips in mind, and your beef will be the star of your Mediterranean stir fry!
Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for Mediterranean warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping
- Cooked rice or couscous, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will help you get a nice sear on your beef!
2. Sauté the Onions
Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté them for about 2–3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This builds the foundation of flavor for your dish.
3. Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Brown the Beef
Now it’s time to add the ground beef! Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This should take around 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
5. Toss in the Veggies
Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are just starting to soften.
6. Season It Up
Sprinkle in the oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the beef and veggies are coated with the spices.
7. Combine Flavors
Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes so all those fantastic flavors blend together!
8. Finish with Freshness
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and the juice of half a lemon. This adds a burst of freshness to your dish!
9. Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the stir fry over cooked rice or couscous, and top with crumbled feta cheese if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious, colorful Mediterranean meal!
Happy cooking! 😊
FAQ: Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Can I Use A Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try substituting with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a protein-packed meal.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You could prepare and chop all your veggies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. The dish itself is best cooked fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat them on the stove or microwave.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! While the spices listed are traditional for Mediterranean flavors, you can use Italian seasoning as a substitute. If you enjoy a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the stir fry on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own! 🍽️
