This vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and easy meal packed with colorful vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s a healthy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean flavors creates a delicious and well-balanced meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled (for garnish)
- Optional: Kalamata olives, pitted (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the olive oil, chopped red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Season: Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
- Combine with Ground Beef: Add the browned ground beef back to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and kalamata olives (if using). Serve hot.
Tips and Notes:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use other vegetables like eggplant, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Ground Beef Alternatives: You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or turkey.
- Wine Addition: You can add a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables for added flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this stir-fry with rice, quinoa, couscous, or pita bread.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply sauté them and add the ground beef.
- Storage: Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry!