This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is packed with flavor! Using juicy ground beef, fresh veggies, and a mix of tasty spices, it brings a world of taste to your table in just one skillet.
You’ll love how quick and easy this dish is to whip up. Toss it all together, and you’ve got a meal that’s colorful and sure to impress—perfect for busy nights or when you just want something special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps this dish flavorful without too much grease. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great too! Just adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re leaner.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a nice texture and nutrient boost. If you can’t find fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and juiciness. If they’re out of season, you can substitute with diced regular tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. They might lack some sweetness but will work in a pinch!
Red Bell Pepper: This not only adds color but sweetness as well. Feel free to swap it with any other bell peppers or even zucchini if you want something different.
Feta Cheese: Feta is crucial for that tangy kick. If you have dietary restrictions, try using crumbled goat cheese or even a vegan feta for a tasty alternative!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef evenly can make a big difference in flavor and texture. The key is to pay attention to the heat and break up the meat properly.
- Start with a medium heat to avoid browning too quickly. This allows the beef to cook through without getting tough.
- Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
- Let it sit for a minute without stirring. This helps achieve that nice brown color on the meat.
- Drain excess fat if there’s too much, but remember a little can add 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 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making a total of 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic:
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon. Keep cooking until it’s browned, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the skillet, drain it out to keep your dish light and healthy.
3. Add Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add some color! Stir in the diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Cook everything for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften and the tomatoes start to burst.
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Once your veggies are ready, toss in the fresh spinach. Let it sit for about 2 minutes or until it wilts down. This adds a great boost of nutrients to your dish!
5. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so the seasonings are well mixed throughout the stir fry. A little taste test at this point can help you adjust the flavors if needed.
6. Add Feta and Serve:
Finally, take your skillet off the heat and gently sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. The warmth from the stir fry will slightly melt the feta, making it super creamy and delicious.
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve your colorful Mediterranean ground beef stir fry warm on a plate. It’s tasty, healthy, and sure to bring smiles. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as ground turkey might cook a bit quicker. Aim for a nice brown color to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for your chosen substitute to ensure everything is cooked properly!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet. You can also use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
