This Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish! It combines ground beef with colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, all seasoned with delightful spices.
You’ll love how everything cooks in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze! I often serve it over rice or with pita, and it’s always a hit at my dinner table. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken also works well. For a vegetarian twist, try substituting with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor and is a staple in Mediterranean cooking. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or coconut oil can be good alternatives.
Vegetables: The bell peppers and zucchini are key for color and texture, but feel free to mix it up! You could use broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes depending on what you have at home.
Spices: Dried oregano and cumin give this dish its Mediterranean flair. You can switch them out for Italian seasoning or even a dash of curry powder if you want to try something different.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Ground Beef?
Cooking the ground beef properly is crucial for flavor. Start by making sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. This helps it brown nicely.
- Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
- Drain excess fat if you prefer a leaner mix, but a little fat keeps it tasty.
- Don’t rush; let it cook until it’s fully browned for the best flavor.
With these tips, you should end up with perfectly cooked beef that complements all the vibrant veggies!
Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese for garnish
- Optional: cooked rice or pita bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so the total time is roughly 25 minutes. Quick, right? This makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer a bit before adding the vegetables.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This adds a nice base flavor to your stir fry.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, and stir until it’s browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
5. Add Vegetables:
It’s time to add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini. Cook these for 4-5 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still a bit crisp. They add a lovely color and crunch!
6. Season:
Sprinkle the dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together well and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, so the spices can release their flavors.
7. Finish Up:
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and squeeze the lemon juice over the top for a bright, fresh kick!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this delicious stir fry hot! If you like, garnish with crumbled feta cheese and enjoy it over cooked rice or with warm pita bread. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy your flavorful and simple Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly as turkey can cook faster than beef.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist!
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You can definitely mix it up! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stir fry mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Just add the fresh parsley and lemon juice right before serving for the best flavor!
