Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry (Printable Version)
Savory ground beef with Mediterranean vegetables and spices, all cooked in one pan for a fast, flavorful meal.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85% lean or higher
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
06 - 1 small zucchini, diced
07 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
11 - ½ tsp black pepper
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - ½ tsp dried oregano
15 - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
→ Finishing Touches
16 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Toppings & Optional Add-Ins
17 - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
18 - ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
19 - ½ tsp sumac (optional, for extra tang)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - 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.
03 - Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives; stir to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Top with crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and sumac if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses only one skillet for easy cleanup
- Ready in half an hour so perfect for busy nights
- Balanced with protein and vegetables for a wholesome dinner
- Flexible with add-ins and substitutions based on what you have
- Gluten free and can be made dairy free
02 -
- This meal is loaded with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- It is friendly for gluten free diets and easy to make dairy free.
- Leftovers are delicious and reheat beautifully for lunch.
- The toasted pine nuts are my personal favorite part. I still remember my daughter’s face lighting up when she first tried them on top and now she always asks for extra with her serving.
03 -
- Let the beef brown undisturbed for the first few minutes to build maximum flavor.
- Always taste and adjust salt and spices at the end since olives and feta add saltiness.
- Chop vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly and each bite is balanced.