This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a colorful and tasty dish! It’s packed with ground beef, fresh veggies, and zesty herbs that make every bite a party for your taste buds.
Cooking it is a breeze! Seriously, I love how quickly it comes together. Serve it with rice or pita, and get ready for some yummy leftovers you’ll want to enjoy all week! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. You can also try a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative!
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a nice crunch. If it’s not in season, use yellow squash or even eggplant. Both will give a tasty twist while maintaining that Mediterranean vibe.
Bell Peppers: The red and yellow peppers provide sweetness and color. Feel free to swap them for green peppers if they’re what you have, or use other colors like orange for a different taste!
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika give depth. For a more unique flavor, try using sumac or harissa paste. A dash of lemon juice brightens everything up!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add juicy bites. If you have larger tomatoes, just chop them up. You can also skip them if you prefer a simpler stir-fry.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Stir-Fry?
Getting an explosion of flavors in your stir-fry is all about the cooking process. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Use high heat: Quickly cooking your vegetables keeps them crisp and vibrant.
- Cook in stages: Browning the beef first gives it a nice flavor. Removing it allows veggies to shine without getting mushy.
- Don’t skip the spices: Adding them just before the beef is returned helps bloom their flavors and enhance the overall taste.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Adding parsley at the end gives a refreshing contrast to the robust flavors of the dish.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious Mediterranean stir-fry everyone will love!
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped into chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for Mediterranean warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or couscous, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a warm and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Remember to break it apart as you cook! Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped red onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and sliced zucchini. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 4–5 minutes, just until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
3. Add Garlic and Beef Back:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until it’s fragrant. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir in the halved cherry tomatoes.
4. Season to Perfection:
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir everything together well to combine all the flavors, and adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and everything to meld together beautifully.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove your stir-fry from the heat and generously garnish it with fresh chopped parsley. Serve it hot over a bed of cooked rice or couscous for a delicious and wholesome meal!
Enjoy this vibrant Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry as a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal! Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may take a little less time to brown.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or diced tofu. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant to create a hearty texture.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the stir-fry ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What Should I Serve with the Stir-Fry?
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is delicious over rice or couscous. You could also serve it with pita bread or a fresh salad for a light, refreshing meal!