Go Back
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked quinoa (or couscous) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Feta cheese crumbles (optional) When measuring your ingredients, use a scale for accuracy. A kitchen scale helps you get the right amount of ground beef. For liquids like olive oil, a measuring cup works well. If you don’t have a scale, use standard measurements. For example, one cup equals eight ounces. This ensures your dish turns out just right. Fresh ingredients bring more flavor and color to your dish. I love using fresh produce like cherry tomatoes and zucchini. They enhance texture and taste. However, dried herbs, like oregano, are excellent too. They add depth and can be easier to store. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger than fresh. Use about one-third the amount when substituting. So, if you want to use dried oregano instead of fresh, just use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon. To make the Mediterranean ground beef stir fry, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked quinoa (or couscous) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Feta cheese crumbles (optional) Wash and slice all your veggies. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and prepare the bell pepper and zucchini. Halve the cherry tomatoes for quick cooking. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Be sure to drain any extra fat from the meat. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, mix in the red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Stir-fry everything together for another 5-7 minutes. This will keep your veggies tender and crisp. Now it's time to season! Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything with the spices. After that, add the cooked quinoa or couscous. Mix it in until everything is hot, about 2-3 minutes. To serve, remove the skillet from heat. Dish the stir-fry into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. If you like, add feta cheese crumbles for a creamy touch. This dish works great alongside a simple green salad. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your meal! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a bright taste. Use high-quality olive oil for rich depth. Don't skip the spices; cumin and smoked paprika make a big difference. Cook the beef until it's nicely browned for a deeper flavor. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft. The aroma will fill your kitchen! One mistake is overcooking the vegetables. You want them tender but still crisp. Another common error is not seasoning enough. Taste as you go and adjust spices. Also, avoid cooking at too low a heat. High heat creates a nice sear on the beef. Finally, don’t skip the quinoa or couscous; they add great texture. You will need a large skillet or wok for this recipe. A good spatula helps break up the beef easily. Use a sharp knife to slice vegetables quickly. A cutting board is essential for prep. Measuring spoons ensure you get the right amount of spices. These tools make cooking simple and fun! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ground beef for other meats. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. If you want a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas. These choices still pack a flavor punch. Each option brings a unique taste and texture. Feel free to change the veggies in this stir fry. Broccoli, carrots, or spinach work well. You can even add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Use what you have on hand to keep it fresh. Mixing different veggies can create fun textures in your dish. If you want to switch up the grain, try brown rice or farro. Each grain adds its own flavor and chewiness. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s a great way to keep your meal light and healthy. For more ideas, check the full recipe. After cooking, let your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry cool for about 30 minutes. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in your fridge for up to 3 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option! Allow the stir fry to cool completely. Then, use freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the bags with the date to keep track. When you're ready to enjoy your stir fry again, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it warms evenly. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your tasty meal! If you want a different grain, try couscous or rice. Both options work well in this dish. You can also use farro or barley for a nutty flavor. These grains hold sauces nicely and make the meal filling. Just remember to cook them before adding them to the stir fry. Yes, you can make the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry ahead of time. It tastes great when reheated. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in your fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. When ready to eat, just warm it in a pan or microwave. This makes it a perfect meal prep option. You can serve this stir fry with a fresh green salad. A simple side of steamed vegetables is also great. Garlic bread or pita chips can add a nice crunch. You might even consider a yogurt sauce for dipping. These sides will enhance the flavors and make your meal more enjoyable. In this article, we explored how to make a tasty Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry. You learned about the right ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to avoid common mistakes and suggestions for storing leftovers. Remember, you can swap out the ground beef or choose different veggies to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to get creative! Cooking should be fun, and this dish is a great way to enjoy diverse flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey and explore Mediterranean flavors!

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Looking for a delicious and quick meal? Try this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry! Packed with juicy ground beef, fresh veggies, and flavorful spices, it’s a perfect weeknight dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over quinoa or couscous for a complete meal. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cooked quinoa (or couscous)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Feta cheese crumbles (optional)

Instructions
 

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

    Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

      Sauté the Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

        Add the Vegetables: Mix in the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

          Season: Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the spices into the mixture.

            Incorporate Quinoa: Add the cooked quinoa (or couscous) to the skillet, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add feta cheese crumbles if desired.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the stir-fry in bowls and garnish with additional parsley and feta cheese. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.