This flavorful stir-fry combines ground beef with a medley of colorful Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and tomatoes, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 pint 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
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the skillet.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Stir the ground beef into the vegetable mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Notes:
- Vegetable Variations: You can use other Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the dish for a bright and citrusy note.
- Wine Addition: Add a splash of red wine to the skillet while cooking the vegetables for added flavor.
- Serve with: This stir-fry can be served on its own, over rice, couscous, or quinoa, or stuffed into pita bread.
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry!