This Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish packed with flavors! It’s made with juicy ground beef, fresh veggies, and simple spices that make your taste buds dance.
I love how fast it comes together—it’s perfect for busy nights! Serve it over rice or pasta, and you’ll have a meal everyone will enjoy. Just watch how quickly those plates get clean! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, crumbled tofu or tempeh works well too.
Olive Oil: I love using extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil are good choices.
Onion & Garlic: These add depth to the stir fry. Red or yellow onions are great, and in place of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—use 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
Zucchini & Bell Pepper: Fresh veggies keep this dish vibrant. You can swap in whatever you have on hand, like carrots or broccoli, if you prefer!
Feta Cheese: Optional, but it adds a nice tangy touch. For a dairy-free alternative, try using vegan feta or omit it altogether.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef might seem easy, but timing and temperature matter! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the meat while ensuring it cooks through.
- Break the beef into small chunks with your spatula as it cooks for even browning.
- Brown it until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Draining excess fat makes the dish healthier.
Using a meat thermometer can also help; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook, so you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will be the base for our delicious stir fry!
2. Cook the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
4. Brown the Beef:
Now, it’s time for the ground beef! Add it to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish lighter.
5. Introduce the Veggies:
Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a little crispness to them.
6. Spice It Up:
Add the cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
7. Finish with Lemon Juice:
Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture. This adds a lovely brightness!
8. Add Fresh Parsley:
Stir in the chopped parsley for freshness and color. It’s ready to serve!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your stir fry hot, with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top if you like. It goes great with rice, couscous, or even warm flatbread. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be mindful that it may require slightly less cooking time since it can cook faster than beef.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can easily swap in other vegetables based on what you have! Options like baby spinach, green beans, or even carrots work great. Just adjust the cooking time for harder vegetables to ensure everything is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or sauté in a skillet until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef and veggies ahead of time. Just keep everything in separate containers in the fridge, and then combine and heat them when you’re ready to serve!