This tasty Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and colorful meal, packed with juicy beef, fresh veggies, and yummy spices. It’s like a mini trip to the Mediterranean on your plate!
I love how easy it is to whip this up. Just stir fry everything together, and it’s ready in no time! Perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful and fun! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Regular ground beef gives a rich flavor, but you can use lean ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative. They work well and still keep the dish juicy.
Vegetables: I love using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness. If they’re not available, regular tomatoes, diced, will do just fine. You can also substitute zucchini with yellow squash or eggplant.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nice texture, but if it’s not in season, Swiss chard or kale can be used instead. They both bring great nutrients to the dish!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a wonderful tang. If you’re dairy-free, try using crumbled tofu with a little lemon juice for a similar taste. Or, simply skip the cheese for a lighter version!
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Vegetables Without Burning Them?
Sautéing vegetables properly is key to bringing out their best flavors. Start with heating your skillet to medium heat and adding olive oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this leads to steaming instead of sautéing.
- Add onions and garlic first; cook them until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, toss in your sturdier veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, and give them about 5 minutes to soften.
- Finally, add delicate veg like spinach, which cooks quickly! Stir them just enough until they wilt.
Following these steps helps keep your veggies vibrant and flavorful! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Mediterranean stir fry takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and another 15 minutes of cooking time. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a tasty and colorful meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This is what will give your stir fry a wonderful base of flavor!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stay with it for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off to keep the dish light.
3. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to throw in the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. You want the veggies to start softening up. The colors will start to brighten your meal!
4. Incorporate Spinach and Seasonings:
Add the fresh spinach along with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Keep cooking until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This is when all those wonderful flavors start coming together!
5. Top it Off with Feta:
While the mixture is warm, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Let it sit for a minute, and the heat will slightly soften the cheese, making it even more delicious.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, don’t forget to garnish with the sliced green onions for a lovely crunch and added flavor. You can serve your stir fry hot over rice, couscous, or enjoy it as is for a low-carb option. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just be aware that it may cook faster, so keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully browned.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can easily switch out the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding diced eggplant, mushrooms, or even carrots. Ensure you cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to freshen it up, add a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs!
Can I Add More Spices?
Sure! Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick, or consider some Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Just remember to start with a little and taste as you go!
