This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is packed with flavor and comes together in a flash! With juicy beef, colorful veggies, and aromatic spices, it’s a treat for your taste buds.
It’s great for busy nights when you want something yummy without all the fuss. I love serving it over rice or with warm pita. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is best for this recipe as it balances flavor and health. You can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. I often mix in some ground lamb for added flavor!
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a nice texture and color. If you can’t find it, baby kale or Swiss chard can be good substitutes. Frozen spinach also works, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet burst of flavor, but you can replace them with diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste. I like using grape tomatoes as they have a similar flavor and are easy to halve.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy kick to the stir fry. If you’re looking for a lactose-free option, try using nutritional yeast or crumble some tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice for flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to perfect it. Start by using medium heat so it cooks evenly. Here’s how:
- Break the beef apart as you add it to the skillet; this helps it brown nicely.
- Let it sit for a minute before stirring to get a good sear. This adds flavor!
- Cook it until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed for a leaner dish.
Always check for an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it’s cooked safely. Happy cooking!
How to Make Delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry will take about 25 minutes to make. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Onion and Garlic:
Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to soften, then add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring it until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it out!
3. Spice It Up:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so the spices coat the beef evenly.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, mixing occasionally. This will help the veggies get tender while still keeping some of their crunch!
5. Stir in the Spinach:
Once the bell peppers and tomatoes are looking good, fold in the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down, which should only take about 2 minutes.
6. Finish It Off:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. The heat from the stir fry will make the feta deliciously creamy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry while it’s hot, and garnish with fresh sliced green onions for a little extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner substitute for ground beef, and they will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that they may not be as rich in flavor, so consider adding an extra teaspoon of olive oil or some Worcestershire sauce to enhance the taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Stir Fry?
To store leftovers, let them cool down, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you add denser vegetables—like carrots or potatoes should be added earlier to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal. A side of pita bread or a fresh salad would complement it well too!
