This flavorful stir-fry combines ground beef with a colorful medley of Mediterranean-inspired vegetables and herbs. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir the ground beef back into the vegetable mixture and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Ground Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Variations: You can use other vegetables like artichoke hearts, spinach, or olives.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese over the stir-fry before serving for a salty, tangy addition.
- Serve with Grains: Serve the stir-fry over rice, couscous, or quinoa.
- Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread for dipping or wrapping the stir-fry.
- Make it a Salad: Serve the stir-fry over a bed of greens for a hearty salad.
Enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean Ground Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry!