Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a flavorful, nutrient-packed one-pan meal combining savory ground beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick and wholesome dinner, it features tender zucchini, bell peppers, and onions cooked with cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, finished with a tangy lemon juice and topped with salty feta cheese and fresh parsley. Serve it warm on its own or over rice, couscous, or in pita bread for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Once cooked through and slightly crispy, drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Onions: Add the thinly sliced red onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent, enhancing its sweetness and flavor.
- Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped zucchini, and red bell pepper. Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. Stir well to combine all the spices and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon to add a bright, tangy note that balances the richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the stir-fry with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, either on its own or over rice, couscous, or inside pita wraps for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For additional Mediterranean flavor, consider adding olives or chickpeas during the vegetable cooking step.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of the feta cheese.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables to make it a full balanced meal.
