This Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is packed with flavors! With juicy ground beef, colorful veggies, and tasty spices, it’s a quick and yummy dish for any night of the week.
You can whip this up faster than it takes to pick a show on Netflix! 🌟 I love to serve it over rice or pasta for a filling meal. Trust me, your taste buds will be happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef for a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian choice, try lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a lovely richness. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil or canola oil are good substitutes. Just keep in mind they may have a different taste.
Onion & Garlic: These are essential for a flavorful base. Yellow onions are great here, but red or white onions can be used. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can substitute in a pinch—use about 1/8 tsp per clove.
Bell Pepper & Zucchini: Both add color and crunch. Feel free to swap in other veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus based on what you have or prefer.
Spices: Oregano and cumin give the dish its Mediterranean flair. For a twist, use Italian seasoning instead of oregano, but it might shift the flavor slightly. Cinnamon is a unique touch—don’t skip it!
How Do I Get the Ground Beef Just Right?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky, but here’s how to do it well! Start by heating your skillet properly and don’t rush the browning. Here’s a simple guide:
- Use medium-high heat to get the skillet hot before adding oil.
- Add the beef without crowding the pan—if it’s too packed, it’ll steam instead of brown.
- Let it cook without stirring too much, allowing it to brown evenly. Break it apart as it cooks—aim for bite-sized chunks.
- Once browned (check that it’s fully cooked), drain excess fat if necessary before adding more ingredients.
Following these steps will help you achieve a deliciously browned beef that’s packed with flavor!
Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Bell Pepper: 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Zucchini: 1 zucchini, diced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Spices: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon Juice: 1 lemon, juiced
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick option for weeknight dinners. No need to wait long for a fresh, flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot but not smoking, so your dish sizzles nicely when you add the ingredients!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This builds a flavorful base for your stir fry.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. This will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to your dish!
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now it’s time for the ground beef! Add it to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through—no pink should remain!
5. Toss in Vegetables:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook together for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender but still have a bit of crunch.
6. Season the Mix:
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the mix. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
7. Finish with Fresh Ingredients:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice. This step brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mediterranean stir fry warm. You can garnish it with crumbled feta cheese if you’d like! It’s perfect with rice, couscous, or wrapped in flatbread. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian meal, try using lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat substitute instead.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead—just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you can omit it altogether or use other herbs like basil or dill.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare this stir fry ahead of time! Cook it as instructed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
