Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a taste of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• ½ tsp sumac for extra tang (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
5. Step 5: Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
6. Step 6: Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
7. Step 7: Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
8. Step 8: Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.
10. Step 10: Top with crumbled feta cheese and optional pine nuts for extra crunch.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when cooking the beef to deepen the flavor.
• If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced chili pepper.
• Serve over cooked couscous, rice, or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
• To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu.

Storage

Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Pine nuts are best added fresh when serving to keep their crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives instead of kalamata?

Yes, green olives or any briny olives you prefer can be used. Just be mindful of their saltiness and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides if desired.

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 58 reviews

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef sautéed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. Enhanced with fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, kalamata olives, and topped with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts, this stir-fry captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• ½ tsp sumac for extra tang (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and beef.
2. Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
4. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season it with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked.
5. Add vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and zucchini, continuing to cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
6. Add tomatoes and olives: Mix in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors and heat through.
7. Finish with fresh elements: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.
8. Add toppings: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts on top for added creaminess and crunch. Optionally, add sumac for an extra tangy flavor.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Use 85% lean ground beef or higher to reduce excess fat but retain flavor and moisture.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils.
• Serve with warm pita bread, rice, or a side salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Keywords: Mediterranean, ground beef, stir-fry, healthy, quick dinner, feta cheese, kalamata olives, pine nuts