This tasty Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and colorful dish full of flavor! With fresh veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, it’s healthy and bright.
It’s great to whip up when you’re short on time but still want something yummy. I love serving it over rice or pasta for an extra filling meal. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this dish, keeping the flavor rich without too much fat. If you want a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work too, but keep in mind they may change the flavor slightly.
Fresh Spinach: I love using fresh spinach as it wilts perfectly and adds a nice color. If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen, but make sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess moisture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness. If they’re not in season, you might substitute with canned diced tomatoes or a regular tomato, just chop it up well.
Spices: Cumin and paprika give a warm flavor. If you’re out of paprika, smoked paprika is a great alternative for a smoky touch. You could also try chili powder or Italian seasoning for a different profile.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy kick. If you can’t find feta, goat cheese or even a mild mozzarella can work in a pinch, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Cook Ground Beef Without It Becoming Tough?
Cooking ground beef properly is key to a tasty stir fry. Here are steps to avoid toughness:
- Start by heating your skillet well before adding beef. A hot pan helps sear the meat, keeping it juicy.
- Break the meat apart as it cooks, but don’t overwork it. Stir just enough to ensure even cooking.
- Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, as undercooked beef can be chewy.
- Keep the heat at medium-high after adding the beef. This ensures a good sear but prevents burning.
These tips will help you achieve tender and flavorful ground beef every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping ingredients and 15 minutes cooking them up in the skillet. A quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion becomes translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma is going to be delightful!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, crank up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, stirring and breaking it apart as it cooks, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s all cooked through.
3. Add Veggies and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Keep cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked. It’s starting to smell fantastic!
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Now add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it around until it wilts down, which will only take about 1-2 minutes. You’ll love the vibrant colors!
5. Finish It Off:
Once the spinach has wilted, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the stir fry, letting it melt slightly from the heat. The creamy feta adds a wonderful flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Mediterranean ground beef stir fry hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef in this recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats might cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. You may want to add a splash more olive oil to keep the dish moist.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli make great additions. Just chop them into smaller pieces and add them along with the red bell pepper, ensuring they have enough time to cook through to tenderness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. It’s perfect for a quick lunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepping the ingredients and cooking the stir fry in advance is a great time-saver. You can refrigerate it and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve. Just add fresh green onions and feta when reheating for the best flavor!
