Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef with fresh vegetables and classic Mediterranean spices. Finished with tangy lemon juice and a sprinkle of feta cheese, it delivers a balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the beef.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and softened.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Add Bell Pepper and Zucchini: Stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper and zucchini half-moons. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some texture.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Continue cooking the mixture for 3-4 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and the spices to blend into the dish.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a creamy, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and fat in the dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced fresh tomatoes.
- This dish pairs well with couscous, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
