This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal! With ground beef, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices, it’s full of flavor.
I love how fast it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or with pita, and you’ll have a family favorite in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect here, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. Even a plant-based ground meat option works well for a vegetarian dish.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach is great, but Swiss chard or kale can also be used. If you have frozen spinach, that’s fine too—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use regular tomatoes diced into smaller pieces, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Red Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper can be used here, or even diced zucchini. For a touch of heat, consider adding jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Feta Cheese: While feta adds creaminess, crumbled goat cheese or shredded mozzarella are tasty alternatives. You can also skip cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef perfectly involves a few simple steps to keep it juicy and flavorful. First, use a skillet over medium heat to warm the oil, then let it heat before adding the beef.
- Break the meat up with a spatula while it’s cooking so it browns evenly.
- Season it early with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin to enhance the flavor as it cooks.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes and ensure it’s browned and no longer pink. This keeps the meat tender and juicy!
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or Swiss chard)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (ground)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be ready to serve in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This will create a lovely base for your stir fry!
2. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and season it with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. As it cooks, use a spatula to break the meat up into smaller pieces. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked all the way through. Make sure it’s nice and crumbled!
3. Adding Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add some color! Stir in the diced red bell pepper and the halved cherry tomatoes. Keep cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. You’ll want the bell pepper to soften a bit and the tomatoes to start releasing their delicious juices.
4. Wilt the Spinach:
Finally, add the fresh spinach to your skillet. Stir it in and watch it wilt down—this should take just 1-2 minutes. It adds a fresh touch to the dish and makes it even more nutritious!
5. Final Touches:
Once everything is mixed and heated through, take the skillet off the heat. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like a little more salt or pepper. Don’t forget to get that last hint of flavor right!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your stir fry warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions and crumbled feta cheese on top. Enjoy this Mediterranean delight with family or friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef. Just be aware that they might cook a bit faster and could be slightly drier, so consider adding a splash of broth or an extra drizzle of olive oil to keep the dish moist.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like fresh kale or Swiss chard. Just chop them roughly and add them at the same stage as the spinach, cooking until they wilt. Alternatively, you can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore moisture.
