This quick and easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is packed with flavor and colorful vegetables. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of seasoned ground beef and fresh vegetables tossed in a light sauce creates a delicious and nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
- Aromatics & Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh mint, chopped (for garnish)
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of 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 any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Spices:
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Stir in Tomatoes and Olives:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Pour the sauce over the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and mint.
- Serve hot on its own or over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Tips and Notes:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables, such as eggplant, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts.
- Herb Options: You can also use fresh oregano and basil if you have them on hand.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Protein Substitution: You can use ground turkey or lamb instead of ground beef.
- Serving Suggestions: This stir fry is delicious served with a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
Enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry!