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To make this tasty dish, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved These ingredients form the base of the dish. The ground beef gives it richness. The veggies add color and crunch. I love how the cherry tomatoes burst with flavor as they cook. Next, you'll need some spices to boost the taste: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and black pepper, to taste These spices work together beautifully. Oregano brings a classic Mediterranean flavor. Cumin adds warmth and depth. Don't forget to season to your liking! For the final touch, consider these garnishes: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty bite. Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color. Lemon wedges give a nice zesty pop when squeezed over the stir-fry. You can find the full recipe to try this dish and explore more options! Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil looks shiny. This step is key to getting the right flavor base for your dish. Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns soft and clear. This helps build a nice flavor. Then, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for another minute. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Now, turn up the heat a little and add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through. If you see extra fat, drain it carefully. Once the beef is ready, season it with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the spices coat the meat evenly. Time to add the veggies! Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced zucchini. Stir everything together for 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crunchy. Then, fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let them warm for about 2 minutes. They should soften but keep their shape. Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. It will melt with the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges from the [Full Recipe]. When cooking ground beef, start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers. This helps brown the meat well. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it turns brown all over. Drain excess fat for a leaner meal. Don't overcrowd the pan; this keeps the heat high. If needed, cook in batches. This way, every piece gets that nice brown color. To boost Mediterranean flavors, use fresh herbs like parsley. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. The dried oregano and cumin in the recipe add depth. Try adding olives or capers for a briny touch. Don't forget to use high-quality olive oil; it makes a big difference. Taste as you cook; adjust salt and pepper to your liking. For a great presentation, serve the stir-fry in bowls. This makes it easy to share. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. Add lemon wedges on the side for a fresh pop. You can also serve it on a large platter. This lets everyone see the vibrant colors. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Enjoy making it look as good as it tastes. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. {{image_4}} If you want a vegetarian twist, replace ground beef. Use crumbled tempeh or lentils. Both options soak up the spices well. You can also add firm tofu for a protein boost. Cook it just like the beef for the best flavor. This stir-fry is easy to make gluten-free. Simply skip any soy sauce that may contain gluten. Use tamari instead for a similar taste. Check labels on all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. With these simple swaps, anyone can enjoy this dish. Feel free to mix in different veggies. Broccoli, spinach, or eggplant can add nutrition and color. You can even add chickpeas for extra protein. For a heartier dish, try using chicken or shrimp. Cook them until done before adding veggies. Enjoy experimenting with flavors in your Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps above. To store your Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air and moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and label them with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them properly. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, place the stir-fry in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. For the stovetop, add a splash of water or olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Stir until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. The shelf life of your Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry varies based on storage. In the fridge, it lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. However, for the best taste and texture, try to eat it within one month. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to swap ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken. Both options are lean and still tasty. You can also use ground lamb for a richer flavor. For a plant-based twist, try lentils or crumbled tofu. Each of these will bring a different taste but keep the dish delicious. Yes, you can make this stir-fry ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes for a quick meal later! To add more heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Serve this stir-fry with a side of fluffy couscous or rice. A simple salad with cucumbers and tomatoes also works great. You might enjoy some warm pita bread to scoop up the stir-fry. Each side enhances the meal's flavors and textures. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry. You learned about key ingredients, steps to prepare it, and tips to enhance flavor. I also shared variations and storage tips to help you save time. In my experience, this dish is simple and rewarding. It’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy trying different ingredients to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry with this quick and easy recipe! Packed with fresh veggies like zucchini and cherry tomatoes, along with rich feta cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prep the Skillet: Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, proceed to the next step.

    Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft. This will add a lovely flavor base for your stir-fry.

      Add Garlic: Introduce the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant but not burnt.

        Cook the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, cooking it for about 5-7 minutes, until it is nicely browned and cooked through. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the skillet.

          Season the Meat: Once the beef is browned, season it with dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

            Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet retain a slight crunch for texture.

              Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold the halved cherry tomatoes into the mix. Allow them to warm through for about 2 minutes; they should soften slightly but still hold their shape.

                Finishing Touch: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the stir-fry, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.

                  Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side to add a zesty squeeze if desired.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: For a visually appealing dish, serve the stir-fry in individual bowls or on a large platter, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean!