Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

$To make a tasty Mediterranean ground beef stir fry, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving You can swap ingredients for what you have. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you don't have feta, try goat cheese or omit it. For the veggies, you can use bell peppers of any color. Spinach or kale can replace zucchini. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can add flavor too. When picking fresh produce, look for vibrant colors. The skin should be firm and smooth. For tomatoes, choose ones that feel heavy for their size. For bell peppers, look for shiny skin. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Always check the smell; it should be fresh and sweet. This simple care helps your dish taste great! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need ground beef, onion, garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spices. Chop the onion and slice the red bell pepper and zucchini. Halve the cherry tomatoes. This makes cooking easy and fun. Next, measure out your spices: oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Wait until it turns translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until the smell fills your kitchen. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, season the beef with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. This gives it a rich flavor. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and zucchini. Stir-fry these vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are tender. Lastly, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are warm. Once your stir fry is done, take it off the heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. The cheese will warm slightly from the heat. To finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick. You can put the stir fry in a big bowl or on a platter for a nice look. Enjoy! For a great stir fry, use a hot skillet. Start by heating olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is soft. This step builds flavor. Next, add the garlic for a minute. The garlic makes the dish fragrant. When you add the ground beef, break it apart with your spatula. Cook it until it turns brown and is no longer pink. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to keep stirring so nothing burns. To make your stir fry pop, add some fresh herbs. Fresh parsley works well as a garnish. You can also squeeze lemon juice on top before serving. This adds a bright, zesty taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a touch of sweetness, try using a splash of balsamic vinegar. This will balance the savory notes from the beef and spices. One common mistake is overcrowding the skillet. If you add too many ingredients at once, the food will steam instead of fry. This can make your veggies mushy. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste as you cook and adjust the salt and pepper. Lastly, don’t forget the final touches. A sprinkle of feta adds creaminess, while fresh parsley gives color and flavor. Always serve with lemon wedges for that fresh kick! Pro Tips Quality of Beef: Use high-quality ground beef for better flavor and texture. Grass-fed or organic options are excellent choices. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as spinach or eggplant to enhance the stir fry. Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer a different cheese, try using goat cheese or Parmesan for a unique twist. Serving Suggestions: This stir fry pairs beautifully with couscous or quinoa for a complete meal. Consider adding a side salad for extra freshness. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian dish, use lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and fiber. You can also try crumbled tofu for a vegan option. Tofu soaks up flavors well. Add some soy sauce for extra taste. Swap beef for these options in equal parts. You can use turkey or chicken instead of beef. Ground turkey is leaner, and it cooks fast. Chicken also works and stays juicy. For a seafood twist, try shrimp or scallops. Both add a nice flavor and cook quickly. Adjust cooking time based on the protein you choose. Use what you find fresh in the market. In spring, add asparagus or peas. Summer is great for eggplant or bell peppers. In fall, use squash or root veggies like carrots. Winter is perfect for hearty greens like kale. Mix these seasonal veggies into the stir fry for variety. To store your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe. Your leftovers should last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it by. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Use a medium heat and stir often. This helps the food warm evenly. You can also microwave it for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir halfway through for best results. The goal is to reach a safe temperature of 165°F. If you want to freeze the stir fry, use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it within 2 days of cooking. This keeps the flavors fresh. The stir fry can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy a quick and tasty meal later! You can serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry with several tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - Rice: White or brown rice works well and soaks up the juices. - Pita Bread: Warm pita adds a nice crunch and is great for scooping. - Salad: A fresh Greek salad adds a crisp contrast to the dish. - Quinoa: This healthy grain pairs well with the beef and veggies. Each of these sides complements the flavors of the stir fry and makes your meal complete. Yes, you can make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the Beef: Prepare the stir fry as per the recipe. - Cool Properly: Let it cool down before storing. - Store in Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat before serving. Absolutely! You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Here are some options: - Add Chili Flakes: Sprinkle in some red chili flakes for heat. - Use Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can spice things up. - Remove Spices: If you prefer milder flavors, skip the cumin or oregano. Feel free to experiment until you find the right balance for your palate! This post shared all you need for a great Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry. We discussed essential ingredients, steps for cooking, and handy tips. You can adjust the flavors and try new proteins for variety. Remember to store leftovers right and use the reheating tips to keep them tasty. With this knowledge, you can create a fun and flavorful dish. Enjoy cooking and happy eating!$

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

A flavorful stir fry featuring ground beef and fresh Mediterranean vegetables, topped with feta cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 zucchini sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt and pepper
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the beef with dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the stir fry, allowing it to warm slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve the stir fry in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Keyword beef, Mediterranean, quick meal, stir-fry