This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish packed with flavor! Ground beef meets colorful veggies and zesty spices for a fun meal ready in minutes.
I love how simple it is to make. Just toss everything in the pan and watch it sizzle! Serve it over rice or in a wrap, and you’ll have dinner sorted in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken works well and is lower in fat. For a vegetarian option, try lentils or plant-based ground meat substitutes.
Olive Oil: It’s the best choice for this Mediterranean dish. However, if you don’t have it, avocado oil or canola oil can be used instead. Just make sure to choose a healthy oil for cooking.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a nice sweetness and color. You can substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers if needed. For a spicier kick, try using jalapeño or poblano peppers.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh is best for this recipe, but frozen spinach can work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Swiss chard is another great alternative if you want something a bit different.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives this dish a tangy kick! If you can’t find it, goat cheese or ricotta can be good substitutes. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sautéed Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables correctly enhances their flavors and textures. Start with a hot skillet and enough oil. For this recipe, here’s the best approach:
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat before adding the onions and garlic. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Cook the onions and garlic until soft, around 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- When adding the bell pepper, make sure to give them enough time to soften without losing their crunch, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, add the spinach and other ingredients. Cook until the spinach wilts, checking to keep everything vibrant and not overcooked.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation and another 15 minutes of cooking. So in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious Mediterranean meal ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and starts to soften. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Don’t worry, this part is simple and quick!
3. Add More Veggies:
Now it’s time to boost the flavor with more veggies! Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the peppers are slightly softened. The colors are going to start looking so vibrant!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix it all up. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. This is when all those delicious flavors blend together!
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and crumbled feta cheese over the stir fry for a tasty finish. Serve it warm by itself or over cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even try ground lamb for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using a different meat, ensuring it is cooked through to the appropriate temperature.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the stir fry. This prevents excess moisture from making the dish soggy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for crumbled tempeh, tofu, or a meat substitute like lentils or quinoa. Just season well to get the flavors right, and adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is heated through!
