This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish filled with flavors. With bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, it’s a colorful feast on your plate!
It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something yummy but don’t have much time. I love serving it over rice or even in pita bread—so fun and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking to cut back on fat, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be a bit lighter.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great nutrition, but frozen spinach works too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can use regular tomatoes diced instead, or even canned diced tomatoes for ease.
Feta Cheese: I love feta for its tangy kick. If you prefer a milder cheese, try using goat cheese or ricotta instead. For a dairy-free option, crumble some vegan cheese on top.
Bell Peppers: Red or green peppers are great, but you can swap in any colorful peppers you like, including yellow or orange, or even use zucchini for a different twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Stay Fresh and Flavorful?
Cooking your veggies just right is key to keeping them vibrant and tasty. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant; this builds a flavor base.
- When adding the bell peppers and tomatoes, aim for just a few minutes of cooking. You want them to be tender but still crisp.
- Add the spinach last as it wilts quickly. Cook it only until it’s just wilted, usually a minute or two.
Remember, undercooking them a bit helps retain their color and nutrients. Enjoy watching them brighten up your dish!
Delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red or green)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Oils:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 25 minutes. Quick and easy for a delicious meal any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Oil and Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. You want to create a tasty base for your stir fry!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. If there’s a lot of fat, drain it off carefully to keep your dish lighter.
3. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir everything together so the beef is well seasoned with those yummy spices.
4. Incorporate the Veggies:
Now, it’s time to add those bright and colorful veggies! Toss in the diced bell peppers and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking them for 3-5 minutes until the peppers are softened but still have a bit of crunch.
5. Wilt the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted but still a vibrant green. This will add great nutrients and flavor to your dish.
6. Finish with Feta and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the crumbled feta cheese. This will give your stir fry a nice creamy texture. Serve it hot, garnished with sliced green onions for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean ground beef stir fry!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary since these alternatives can vary in cooking speed.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can substitute fresh spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the stir fry to avoid extra moisture.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to help maintain moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli to customize the stir fry to your taste. Just be mindful of the cooking times so everything is perfectly tender!
