Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
If you're looking for a dinner that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, then let me introduce you to this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef lean or extra-lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 bell peppers sliced (red and yellow work well)
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings (optional):
- Crumbled feta cheese about 1/4 cup
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by dicing the onion, slicing the bell peppers and zucchini, and halving the cherry tomatoes. Set them aside in separate bowls for easy access while cooking.
- Crush and finely chop the garlic cloves.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step! Allow the beef to get a nice brown sear before stirring—it adds extra flavor.
- If there’s a lot of fat in the pan, use a spoon to drain some of it off, leaving just a little for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes, until the onion starts to soften.
- Pro Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. If it burns, it will become bitter and affect the flavor of the whole dish.
- Toss in the sliced bell peppers and zucchini, and stir them into the beef mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the veggies are tender but still a bit crisp.
Step 4: Season the Dish
- Add the oregano, cumin, and cinnamon to the skillet, and stir well to coat the beef and veggies in the spices.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Give the stir fry a quick taste. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch more salt, pepper, or spices.
- Plate the stir fry and top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
- Optional: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of citrus over the top.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~370–400 kcal
- Protein: ~25–28g
- Carbohydrates: ~10–12g
- Fat: ~25–28g
- Fiber: ~3–4g
- Sugar: ~4–5g
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.