Let’s be honest, we all have that package of ground beef sitting in the fridge, waiting for inspiration to strike. It is so easy to fall back on the usual tacos or spaghetti. But what if I told you there is a whole world of flavor waiting for you, and it is just as easy to make? Get ready to add one of your new favorite Ground Beef Recipes to your weekly rotation.
This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is one of those fantastic Quick Dinner Ideas that tastes like you spent hours on it. It is loaded with fresh vegetables, savory beef, and a little sprinkle of feta cheese that brings it all together. It is simple, satisfying, and looks beautiful on a plate.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly fast. We are talking about a complete meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. For anyone juggling a busy schedule, that is a huge win. It is a one pan wonder, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. No one wants to face a mountain of dishes after dinner.
It is also wonderfully versatile. Think of this recipe as a starting point. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what is in your fridge or what is in season. It is a great way to use up produce that is about to go bad. This makes it one of the most flexible Ground Beef Dishes you can find.
Plus, this is one of those genuinely Healthy Dinner Recipes that does not sacrifice flavor. You get a great balance of protein from the beef and tons of nutrients from the spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers. It is colorful, fresh, and feels good to eat. It is a wholesome meal that will leave you feeling satisfied, not weighed down.
Ingredients
The beauty of this dish is its simple ingredient list. You likely have many of these items in your kitchen already. Here is what you will need to get started.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 8 ounces baby spinach
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, with white and green parts separated
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Let’s walk through it together. Just a few simple steps stand between you and a delicious meal.
Step 1: Cook The Tomatoes And Bell Pepper
First things first, grab a large pan or skillet. Heat your olive oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering a little, it is time to add the diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for about four to five minutes.
You are looking for the tomatoes to get a little blistered and start releasing their juices. This creates a light, delicious sauce. Once that happens, toss in the minced garlic and stir everything together for another minute. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing right about now!
Step 2: Add The Spinach
Now it is time for the greens. Add the entire tub of spinach and the white parts of the green onions to the pan. It might look like a mountain of spinach at first, but do not worry. It will wilt down significantly.
Keep stirring for two to three minutes until all the spinach has wilted and mixed in with the other veggies. Once everything is nicely cooked down, transfer the vegetable mixture to a separate plate and set it aside for a moment.
Step 3: Cook The Beef
Using the same pan, add the ground beef. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller crumbles. This is a key step for many great Ground Beef Recipes.
Continue cooking the beef until it is fully browned all the way through. If you are using beef with a higher fat content, you might see some excess grease in the pan. Carefully drain that off before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Garnish And Serve
It is time to bring it all together. Add the cooked vegetables back into the pan with the browned beef. Toss in the green parts of the green onions as well. Stir everything together until the veggies are warmed through again, which should only take a minute or two.
Your delicious Mediterranean stir fry is ready to serve! Just before you dish it out, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top if you are using it. It adds a wonderful salty, creamy finish. This is one of those Ground Beef Dishes that is as pretty as it is tasty.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about this recipe is that it makes for fantastic leftovers. If you have any remaining, allow it to cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days.
This makes it a great option for meal prepping. You can enjoy healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. It is one of the best Quick Dinner Ideas that keeps on giving.
You can also freeze this dish for later. For the best results, prepare the recipe but hold off on adding the feta cheese. Let the stir fry cool completely, then place it in a freezer safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips
Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few simple tips to help you get the best results every single time.
- Boost The Flavor: Feel free to add more Mediterranean inspired ingredients. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat. Some chopped Kalamata olives or sun dried tomatoes would also be a wonderful, savory addition.
- Experiment With Veggies: This is one of those Ground Beef Recipes that is perfect for clearing out the crisper drawer. Don’t have spinach? Try kale or chopped zucchini instead. No bell peppers? Sliced mushrooms or onions would work well too.
- Choose Your Beef: You can use any type of ground beef you prefer. A leaner ground beef, like 90/10, will have less grease to drain. However, an 80/20 blend often has more flavor. The choice is entirely up to you.
- Add A Creamy Sauce: To really enhance the Mediterranean feel, serve this dish with a side of hummus or a dollop of tzatziki sauce. The cool, creamy sauce is a great contrast to the warm, savory stir fry.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to breathe new life into your weeknight meals. This Mediterranean stir fry proves that Ground Beef Recipes can be exciting, fresh, and healthy.
It is the kind of meal that is easy enough for a beginner cook but delicious enough to impress anyone at the dinner table. We hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as we do. It is sure to become a staple in your collection of Healthy Dinner Recipes.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Ground turkey or ground chicken would be excellent substitutes for the ground beef. They are both leaner options that pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
You have so many options. For a heartier meal, you can serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa, couscous, or rice. For a low carb option, it is delicious all on its own or served alongside a simple green salad. It also works well in a pita pocket for a fun twist.
Is This Recipe Family Friendly?
Yes, it is a great choice for families. The flavors are savory but not overpowering or spicy, making it appealing to a wide range of palates, including children. It is also a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into everyone’s diet in a tasty way.
How Can I Make This A Complete Meal?
This dish is quite balanced on its own, with protein, veggies, and healthy fats. To make it even more complete, pairing it with a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa is a great idea. Adding a side of warm pita bread and hummus would also round out the meal perfectly, making it one of the most satisfying Quick Dinner Ideas.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
This fast and easy Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is a family-friendly weeknight meal. Loaded with fresh vegetables, savory beef, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, it’s a wholesome and satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes; cook for 4-5 minutes until blistered and they begin to release their juices. Stir in minced garlic for another minute.
- Add the entire tub of baby spinach and the white parts of the green onions to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until all the spinach has wilted and mixed in with the other vegetables. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a separate plate and set aside.
- Using the same pan, add the ground beef. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller crumbles. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the browned beef. Add the green parts of the green onions. Stir everything together until the vegetables are warmed through again, which should only take a minute or two.
- Serve immediately, topped with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped Kalamata olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables based on what you have. Kale, chopped zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or onions are great alternatives.
You can use any type of ground beef you prefer. A leaner blend will require less draining, while an 80/20 blend may offer more flavor.
Enhance the Mediterranean feel by serving with a side of hummus or a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making this a great option for meal prepping.
For longer storage, freeze the stir fry (without feta cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
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