Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this incredible Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry! This one-pan wonder combines the heartiness of ground beef with the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. Imagine succulent ground beef sizzling alongside juicy bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with intense flavor, and briny Kalamata olives adding a delightful salty kick. All of this is tossed in a fragrant blend of oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes (optional, for those who like a little heat!). Topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh parsley, this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a complete meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution, easily adaptable to your dietary needs, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready for a culinary adventure that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, all from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Red bell pepper chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in crumbled feta cheese and cook for another minute, until the cheese is melted and slightly warmed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of ground beef, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. The slightly sweet red bell pepper balances the savory beef and salty olives perfectly. The herbs add a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. This stir-fry is anything but bland! Secondly, it’s incredibly convenient. It’s a true one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your time. Everything cooks together in a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights. No more spending hours in the kitchen – you can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in a flash! Thirdly, it’s incredibly healthy. Packed with lean protein from the ground beef, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil, this stir-fry is a nutritious and satisfying meal option. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes provides a boost of antioxidants. You can feel good about feeding this delicious and wholesome meal to your family. Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to add other vegetables, swap out the ground beef for chicken or turkey, or even make a vegetarian version using lentils or chickpeas. The possibilities are endless!
Why You Should Try This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Beyond its deliciousness and convenience, this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry offers several compelling reasons to add it to your culinary repertoire. It’s a budget-friendly meal, relying on readily available and affordable ingredients. Ground beef is typically inexpensive, and the vegetables can be adjusted to suit whatever’s on sale. This makes it a fantastic option for those watching their spending without compromising on flavor. It’s also a great way to introduce new flavors to your family. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors are bold and distinct, yet approachable and familiar. It’s a fantastic way to expand your culinary horizons and create a delicious adventure for your taste buds. Moreover, this recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables. If you have some leftover red bell peppers or onions, this stir-fry is the perfect opportunity to incorporate them. This minimizes food waste and maximizes the value of your ingredients. The recipe is also easily customizable, adapting to different dietary needs and preferences. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for people with dietary restrictions or allergies. You can easily substitute ingredients to create a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free version.
Ingredients and Utensils for Your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of the show! Look for lean ground beef for a healthier option. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Provides a sweet and savory base for the stir-fry. Yellow or white onions work equally well.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a pungent aroma and flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced garlic if needed.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Offers a vibrant color and a touch of sweetness. Other bell pepper colors, such as orange or yellow, can also be used.
- Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained): Adds moisture and acidity. Using undrained tomatoes adds extra flavor and liquid to the stir-fry.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes (1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped): Intensely flavorful and adds a chewy texture. Make sure to drain the oil before adding them to avoid an excessively oily stir-fry.
- Kalamata Olives (1/4 cup, pitted and halved): Provides a salty, briny counterpoint to the other ingredients. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Feta Cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Adds a creamy, tangy, salty flavor. Look for a good quality feta for the best taste.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): The healthy fat that helps to sauté the vegetables and brown the ground beef. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): An essential Mediterranean herb that adds an earthy aroma and flavor.
- Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): Another key Mediterranean herb that lends a slightly sweet and peppery note.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder stir-fry.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasoning is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): A vibrant green garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal.
Recommended Utensils
- Large skillet or wok: A large pan is essential for ensuring that all ingredients cook evenly without overcrowding. A nonstick pan is recommended for easier cleanup.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Use a heat-resistant utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Can opener: For opening the can of diced tomatoes.
Detailed Recipe Steps for Your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the red bell pepper. Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and chop them. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese and chop the fresh parsley.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Important: Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then, add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Simmer the Stir-Fry: Add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Cook for another minute or two, until the feta is slightly softened and melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is delicious served over rice, quinoa, or couscous. It’s also fantastic on its own as a light meal.
Tips and Variations for Your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are a few tips and variations to consider:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have feta cheese, try using crumbled goat cheese, halloumi, or even parmesan cheese.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
- Citrus Zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as this can make them mushy. Aim for slightly tender-crisp vegetables.
- Don’t Drain the Tomatoes Completely: The liquid from the canned tomatoes adds flavor and moisture to the stir-fry. Only drain them if the sauce is too watery.
Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. While exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, it’s generally a good source of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The ground beef provides a significant amount of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The vegetables, especially the bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes, are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Sun-dried tomatoes, in particular, are a powerhouse of antioxidants, helping to protect your cells from damage. The olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The Kalamata olives offer a good source of healthy fats and fiber. The feta cheese contributes calcium and protein, although it should be consumed in moderation due to its higher sodium content. Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that contributes to a healthy diet.
Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings): Please note that this is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and amounts of your ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
FAQs
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a true culinary masterpiece, combining convenience, health, and exceptional flavor. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience with this recipe in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other delicious recipes on our blog like this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole or this Shrimp and Rice Bowl! Also, share your beautiful culinary creations on Pinterest – find us here! Happy cooking!
