This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry brings a mix of flavors with juicy beef, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices. It’s a colorful dish that cooks up quickly for busy nights!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything in a pan, and dinner is ready in no time. Plus, it’s one of those meals that makes your kitchen smell amazing! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean beef for a lighter option. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken also make great substitutes, providing a different flavor while keeping it healthy.
Red Onion: Red onions are sweet and colorful. If you don’t have any, yellow onions work too. They’ll add a strong flavor that will balance well with the dish. You can also use shallots for a milder taste.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness. You can swap them with regular tomatoes; just dice them and use about 1 cup. Canned diced tomatoes are an option, too—just drain and rinse before using to avoid excess moisture.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds nice texture. If it’s not in season, try bell peppers or yellow squash as alternatives. These veggies cook just as quickly and will complement the flavors well.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a tangy creaminess. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese for a similar texture or ricotta for a milder flavor. For a dairy-free option, omit cheese or use a dairy-free feta substitute.
How Do You Ensure The Beef Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef correctly is key to getting a delicious stir-fry. Make sure to keep these tips in mind:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the beef while still allowing it to brown nicely.
- Break apart the beef as it cooks with a wooden spoon so it browns evenly and doesn’t clump.
- Cook until there’s no pink, about 6-7 minutes, and drain any excess fat if using higher-fat beef.
- Mix in the spices before adding vegetables to let their flavors bloom, ensuring a well-seasoned dish.
Remember, the goal is to have flavorful, juicy beef without it being greasy, so keep an eye on it while cooking!
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed red and yellow)
- 1 small zucchini, sliced or diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick way to get a delicious meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté The Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add in the diced red onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Cook The Ground Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want to brown the beef evenly, which should take about 6-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it from the skillet.
4. Season The Beef:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the spices: ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, and a little salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix to coat the beef with these flavorful spices.
5. Add Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the cherry tomatoes and zucchini to the skillet. Cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened, and the zucchini is tender but still maintains a nice texture.
6. Incorporate Feta:
After the vegetables have cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the stir-fry to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or mint over the top for a fresh, bright flavor. If you like extra heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve the dish warm on its own or alongside couscous, rice, or pita bread for a heartier meal.
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also colorful and packed with flavors, making it a perfect dish for any occasion!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time as it may cook slightly faster than beef.
How Can I Store Leftover Stir-Fry?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can easily customize this dish! Bell peppers, spinach, or even eggplant would work well. Just make sure to pre-cook any tougher vegetables until they’re tender before adding them to the mix.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time. Simply cook it up to the step before adding the vegetables, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the veggies and combine everything!