This Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a colorful dish packed with flavors! With tasty ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and bell peppers, it brings some sunshine to your plate.
It’s quick to whip up, and you’ll love how everything cooks in one pan. Perfect for busy days or when you’re just craving something hearty and healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This dish really benefits from the rich flavor of ground beef. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and juiciness. If you can’t find them, any ripe tomatoes will do. Just chop them up and adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re soft.
Kalamata Olives: Their briny taste brings depth. If you prefer a different flavor, consider using green olives or capers. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly, as olives can be salty!
Bell Peppers: Use any color of bell pepper for this dish. For a twist, try adding zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies. You can easily swap them out based on what you have on hand.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking vegetables well enhances their flavor and texture. To achieve this:
- Start with high heat and add your veggies in the right order (onions first, then garlic, followed by bell peppers).
- Keep an eye on them! You want them tender but still with a bit of crunch, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes for peppers.
- Stir regularly to ensure even cooking without burning.
With a bit of practice, you’ll find the right balance for your preferred veggie texture!
Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, using a wooden spoon to break it apart, about 5-7 minutes. When it’s all cooked through, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook it until it softens and turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a nice flavor base to your dish.
3. Add in the Veggies
Now, stir in the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want the peppers to be tender but still have a slight crunch.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Give everything a good stir to combine well.
5. Final Cooking
Let everything cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly and the tomatoes to soften up, adding a nice juiciness to the mix.
6. Season and Garnish
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. When you’re happy with the flavor, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your vibrant Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry warm, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over. It goes wonderfully with rice, couscous, or warm pita bread. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ About Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative. Just cook them in the same manner as you would the beef, and adjust the cooking time if necessary, ensuring they are cooked through before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you’d like a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with either cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The seasonings will still give it a delicious Mediterranean flavor!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Kalamata Olives?
No problem! You can use any type of olives, such as green olives or black olives. If you prefer, capers can also work for a similar briny taste. Just adjust the amount according to your taste preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat for even warming, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water to keep it moist during reheating!
