This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is a tasty dish that brings bold flavors right to your table! Fresh veggies, spices, and tender beef come together for a quick and satisfying meal.
Cooking this stir fry is a breeze! I love how you can whip it up in just one pan. It’s great for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to spare!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives great flavor. For a healthier option, you could use ground turkey or chicken instead. Both are lighter but still tasty!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. If you can’t find it, try kale or Swiss chard; they’ll work just as well.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red and green for the color and taste. If you’re in a pinch, any other sweet peppers or even zucchini can be used!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty, tangy flavor that complements the dish. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef properly is key to this stir fry. It should be browned but not dry. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by heating olive oil in your skillet before adding the onion and garlic. This builds a flavorful base.
- When the beef goes in, increase the heat to medium-high. This helps it brown quickly and develop a nice crust.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. This ensures even cooking. If it starts to look greasy, drain some fat off.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, and stir often. You want nice, browned bits for flavor!
Delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red or green)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This will create a lovely base for your stir fry!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to your skillet. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off at this point.
3. Add the Bell Peppers:
Now it’s time to add some color! Stir in the diced bell peppers and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften up. The vibrant colors will make your dish even more appetizing!
4. Toss in Spinach and Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, dried oregano, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, around 3-4 minutes. The aroma is going to be fantastic!
5. Finish with Feta:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. This will add a nice tangy flavor, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Mediterranean ground beef stir fry hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Enjoy your meal—this dish is not just quick, but also full of flavor and nutrients!
Can I Substitute Turkey or Chicken for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that leaner meats may require a little more seasoning or fat to keep the dish flavorful and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize the stir fry with other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep it moist.
