Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: Mediterranean ground beef stir fry! This vibrant, quick-to-make meal is bursting with flavor and packed with fresh veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. In just about 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dinner that not only satisfies your cravings but also nourishes your body. The combination of spices like oregano and cumin brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (I usually go for lean to keep it healthier!)
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (Any color you like—red, yellow, or green work beautifully!)
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced (Don’t skip this; it adds a lovely texture and flavor!)
- 1 cup onion, sliced (I prefer yellow onions for a bit of sweetness.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (The more garlic, the better, right?)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (For that Mediterranean flair—yum!)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (Dried works perfectly here!)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (This gives it that warm, earthy taste.)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Always taste as you go, my friend!)
How to Prepare Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Getting this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry on the table is as simple as it is delicious! Let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering dish. You’ll want to grab a large skillet for this—something sturdy, like cast iron or non-stick, will work wonders!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. This step is crucial because it allows the oil to get nice and hot, which helps in searing the beef and making sure those flavors really pop!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Now, add in that pound of ground beef. Use your spatula to break it apart, cooking until it’s nice and browned—about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left and it’s developed a bit of a crust. Yum!
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Next up, stir in the sliced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook them for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re tender but still vibrant. The colors in this dish are just gorgeous!
Step 5: Seasoning
Time to bring it all together! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and taste—feel free to adjust those spices to your liking!
Step 6: Serve
Finally, serve your Mediterranean ground beef stir fry hot! I love pairing it with fluffy rice or warm pita for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite of this quick, flavorful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Delicious flavors that transport you to the Mediterranean.
- Packed with fresh, colorful vegetables for added nutrition.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
Tips for Success
To really nail this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t be afraid to switch up the veggies—broccoli, spinach, or even eggplant can be fantastic additions. If you want to lighten it up, ground turkey or chicken works great as a substitute for beef. Also, keep an eye on your heat; too high can burn the garlic, so adjust as needed. Lastly, taste as you go! Everyone’s spice preferences are different, so feel free to tweak the oregano and cumin to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates! For each serving of this delicious Mediterranean ground beef stir fry, you can expect to find approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
These figures can help you make informed choices, but always remember to adjust based on your specific ingredients and dietary needs. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for beef in this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a splash more olive oil to keep everything moist and flavorful. Cook it just the same way, and you’ll have a lightened-up version that’s just as delicious!
What vegetables can I add?
The beauty of this stir fry is how versatile it is! Feel free to get creative with your veggies—broccoli, spinach, or even asparagus would all be wonderful additions. You could also throw in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness or carrots for that extra crunch. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is perfectly tender!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just let your Mediterranean ground beef stir fry cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Easy peasy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is a breeze! Just let it cool down completely, then scoop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through before serving. Enjoy your leftovers!
Print
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry in 25 Minutes of Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Mediterranean ground beef stir fry packed with vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in bell peppers and zucchini, cook until tender.
- Season with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Serve with rice or pita if desired.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: mediterranean ground beef stir fry