Are you craving a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that’s full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors? Look no further than this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry! Packed with fresh veggies, savory ground beef, olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, this stir fry is as satisfying as it is simple to make. Whether you’re looking to whip up a weeknight dinner or serve something unique at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s healthy, full of color, and bursting with Mediterranean flair!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can have this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry ready in no time. Perfect for busy nights!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats from olives and feta, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it adaptable for any occasion.
- Full of Flavor: With fresh ingredients like tomatoes, zucchini, and red onions, plus Mediterranean seasonings, this stir fry brings bold flavors to every bite.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required! This dish cooks up in one pan, making it as easy to clean up as it is to prepare.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients:
- Dairy-Free Option: Omit the feta or replace it with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check your seasoning labels for hidden gluten.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the zucchini and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes, and set aside the olives and crumbled feta for later.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini and red onion to the pan with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add the Tomatoes and Olives: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and olives. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the stir fry from heat and top with crumbled feta and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper if you like your stir fry with a bit of heat.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Sweet Touch: For a sweet contrast, try adding a handful of raisins or dried apricots to the stir fry just before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stir fry in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious variations of stir fry dishes that pack a punch of flavor! Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, tangy, or sweet, these recipes are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal:
Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on the classic stir fry, using different vegetables and flavors to keep your meals exciting and varied. Enjoy exploring these tasty options!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and will work wonderfully in this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry.
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stir fry ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will even deepen after sitting for a day.
What can I serve with this stir fry?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of rice, couscous, or a warm pita to soak up all the delicious juices.
Can I make this stir fry vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based protein like tofu or lentils.
Now that you know how to make this delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry, why not give it a try for your next meal? It’s healthy, quick, and packed with bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments – we’d love to hear how you customize this recipe! For more tasty, easy-to-make meals, be sure to follow us for more recipes like this one. Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 red onion sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives pitted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the zucchini and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside the olives and feta cheese for later use.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the zucchini and onion to the pan with the beef. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add the Tomatoes and Olives: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and olives. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and top with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!