Description
This Easy One-Pot Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful and healthy meal that combines lean ground beef with vibrant vegetables and classic Mediterranean spices. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with color, texture, and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Choose a lean variety.)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (Sliced, use a mix of colors.)
- 1 medium Zucchini (Sliced into half-moons.)
- 1 medium Red Onion (Thinly sliced.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Classic Mediterranean herb.)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Adds warmth and earthiness.)
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika (For depth of flavor.)
- to taste Salt and Pepper (For seasoning.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed.)
- to taste Fresh Parsley (Chopped for garnish.)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes, while seasoning with salt, pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, and sweet paprika to infuse the meat with Mediterranean flavors.
- Drain Excess Fat: If there is any excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it to keep the dish light and healthy.
- Sauté Onions: Add thinly sliced red onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Bell Peppers and Zucchini: Stir in sliced bell peppers and zucchini, cooking for another 5-6 minutes. Cook until the vegetables are tender yet still retain a slight crispness.
- Add Garlic: During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and stir continuously to release its aroma and prevent burning.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry, and toss to combine all flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Immediately serve the dish garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef for a healthier dish with less fat.
- Adjust the seasoning as per your taste; more paprika can add deeper flavor while extra lemon juice brightens the dish.
- You can substitute the vegetables with other Mediterranean options like cherry tomatoes or eggplant.
- Serve over rice, couscous, or alongside warm pita bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
