This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal that brings great flavors to your table! With juicy beef, colorful veggies, and zesty spices, it’s a hit for any night.
I love how fast it cooks up! Just toss everything in a pan and enjoy a delicious dinner. Perfect for busy days or when you need a flavor boost in just minutes! 🌟
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef, but you can easily swap it for ground lamb for a richer flavor. For a lighter dish, ground turkey or chicken work well too!
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its flavor. If you don’t have it, avocado oil is a great substitute and has a high smoke point.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy, red bell peppers add color. You can also use yellow or orange peppers, or even zucchini for a different twist.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach is my go-to, but kale can also bring a nice texture. If you have frozen spinach, just thaw and squeeze out the extra water before adding.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy, tangy finish. If you’re dairy-free, try a dairy-free feta or omit it and replace it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef evenly and ensuring it’s browned well is key. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high and then add olive oil. Let it heat up for a minute.
- Once hot, add the ground beef. Let it be for a minute before breaking it apart, as this will help create a good sear.
- Stir and break it apart with a spatula while continuing to cook for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned.
- If there’s excess fat, drain it carefully, but a little is fine for flavor.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure it’s nicely browned! If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off before moving to the next step.
2. Adding Vegetables:
Add the minced garlic and the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the bell peppers are softened and fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your dish!
3. Incorporating More Flavors:
Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes along with the dried oregano and dried basil. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices, making the stir fry even tastier.
4. Final Touch with Greens:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach (or kale). Cook it down until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. This will give your stir fry that lovely green color and add nutritious goodness. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combining and Serving:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Serve your stir fry hot, topped with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy finish. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges on the side—you’ll want to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over your dish for that bright, zesty flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Other Proteins?
Absolutely! You can use ground lamb for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor, or try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly based on the protein you choose, so keep an eye on it to ensure everything is cooked through.
Can I Prepare This Dish with Frozen Vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables! Just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the stir fry. Add them during step 3 after the tomatoes, giving them enough time to warm through and combine with the rest of the ingredients.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors if needed!
Can I Use Different Herbs or Spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist. You could also spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika for a little heat. Adjust based on your taste preferences!
