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- 1 lb ground beef - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste The base of this dish starts with ground beef. It adds a rich flavor and hearty texture. Olive oil helps to cook the beef and vegetables while adding healthy fats. Onion and garlic create a fragrant aroma that enhances the whole dish. Fresh vegetables like red bell pepper and zucchini provide crunch and color. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness, making each bite delightful. Don't forget the spices! Oregano and cumin give that authentic Mediterranean flavor. Salt and pepper help balance everything out. - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving For a flavor boost, I love adding feta cheese. It brings a creamy, salty taste. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Lemon wedges provide a zesty finish, brightening up the dish. These optional ingredients make your stir-fry even more special. - Ground beef alternatives: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant-based ground meat works great for a vegetarian twist. - Vegetable swaps: If you don't have zucchini or bell pepper, try broccoli or snap peas. Almost any vegetable can work in this stir-fry. These substitutions keep the meal flexible, allowing you to make it your own. You can still enjoy the Mediterranean vibe with different ingredients. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, you need to chop the vegetables. Use a sharp knife to slice the red bell pepper and zucchini. Finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. This prep makes your cooking smooth and fun. Next, measure your spices. Grab a teaspoon for the dried oregano and cumin. Keep salt and pepper nearby for seasoning. This simple step will help you add flavor later on. Now, let’s cook! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want it to turn translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute. The smell will be amazing! After that, add the ground beef. Break it apart using a wooden spoon. Cook it until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it away. Season the meat with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef with the spices. Now, add the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies crisp but tender. Finally, fold in the cherry tomatoes. Let them warm through for about 2 minutes. This adds freshness to your dish. Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the stir-fry. This adds a nice, creamy touch. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty finish to your meal. Enjoy your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry! For the complete cooking steps, check out the Full Recipe. Managing heat is key to a great stir-fry. Start with medium-high heat. This helps the beef cook fast without getting tough. If your pan is too cool, the beef will steam instead of fry. You want it to brown nicely. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Choose bright, firm vegetables. Avoid ones that feel soft or look dull. Fresh veggies add color, flavor, and nutrients. They also make your dish look appealing. Marinating ground beef can boost its flavor. Mix olive oil, garlic, and spices in a bowl. Let the beef soak for at least 30 minutes. This step makes a big difference in taste. Fresh herbs bring life to your dish. Parsley or basil adds a nice touch. Toss them in at the end for a burst of flavor. They also brighten up the plate. For a complete meal, serve your stir-fry with rice or couscous. These sides soak up the juices and add texture. You can also try a simple salad for freshness. A mix of greens and tomatoes works well. Pair your dish with a light beverage. Lemonade or sparkling water are great choices. They cleanse the palate and complement the flavors. If you prefer wine, go for a crisp white. It enhances the Mediterranean vibe. Try the Full Recipe for a delicious experience! {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Start by using plant-based ground beef. This option gives you the same texture but with no meat. Next, add a variety of vegetables. Good choices include mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant. These add flavor and color to your stir-fry. You can also mix in some chickpeas for extra protein and texture. To add a fun twist, try Mediterranean spices. You can mix in spices like sumac or za'atar for a unique flavor. These spices bring warmth and zest to the dish. Also, consider incorporating different cheeses. Instead of feta, try goat cheese or even mozzarella. Each cheese offers a new taste that can change your dish completely. Seasonal vegetables can elevate your stir-fry. In spring, use fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, zucchini and bell peppers shine. In fall and winter, root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes work well. They add heartiness and comfort, perfect for colder months. Adjusting your dish with seasonal produce keeps it fresh and exciting. For the full recipe, check the full recipe section above. To keep your Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry fresh, use these tips: - Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It lasts up to three days. - Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months. You can reheat your stir-fry easily: - Microwave: Place in a bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to maintain texture and flavor. Knowing shelf life helps ensure food safety: - Duration: The stir-fry stays good in the fridge for three days. - Signs of spoilage: Look for off smells, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If you see these, throw it away. You can use several tasty options instead of ground beef. Here are some ideas: - Ground turkey offers a leaner choice. - Ground chicken is mild and works well. - Lentils can be a great plant-based swap. - Chickpeas add protein and texture. - Mushrooms give a meaty feel and flavor. Each alternative brings its own flavor. Feel free to mix and match to find what you like best. Yes, you can make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry ahead of time. Here are some best practices: - Cook and cool: Prepare the dish completely and let it cool. - Store: Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to 3 days. - Reheat: When ready to eat, warm it on the stovetop or microwave. Making it ahead saves time and is great for busy days. Serving this dish can be fun and creative. Here are some ideas: - Plate it nicely: Use a deep dish to show off the colors. - Add sides: Serve with rice, couscous, or warm pita. - Garnish: Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Lemon wedges: Offer lemon on the side for a fresh squeeze. These touches make each plate look more inviting and delicious. Enjoy the flavors! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry. We covered essential and optional ingredients that enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions, handy tips, and variations for different diets. Storing and reheating tips help you enjoy leftovers. Now, with these ideas, you can create a tasty dish that fits your style. Embrace your creativity and enjoy cooking!

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Discover the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious Ground Beef Stir-Fry recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal featuring ground beef, vibrant veggies, and a sprinkle of feta for that perfect touch. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while delivering wholesome ingredients and bold tastes. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat if necessary.

        Season with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate the spices.

          Add the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.

            Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, allowing them to warm through for about 2 minutes.

              Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.

                Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

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