Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice richness to the stir fry. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to use avocado oil or even coconut oil, which can add a different flavor profile.

Red Bell Pepper: This pepper adds sweetness and color. You can substitute it with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even zucchini for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since some veggies cook faster than others.

Feta Cheese: Feta brings a nice tang to the dish. If you’re not a fan, crumbled goat cheese or cotija can work as great alternatives. For a dairy-free version, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How Do You Cook Ground Beef Perfectly for Stir Fry?

Cooking ground beef is straightforward, but there are some essential tips for the best outcome. Start by heating your skillet until it’s hot before adding the olive oil and beef. This ensures a nice sear, giving your meat great flavor.

• Break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
• If there’s excess fat, drain it off after the beef is fully cooked to keep your stir fry from being greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches to maintain high heat.

How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry can be prepared in about 15-20 minutes. It’s quick and easy! Most of your time will be spent cooking the beef and veggies, so gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heating the Oil and Cooking the Beef:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or stir fry pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some of it off.

2. Adding the Veggies:

Once the beef is cooked, toss in the diced red bell pepper. Stir it together and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the pepper starts to soften. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften up, too.

3. Seasoning the Mix:

Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef and veggie mix. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined and flavorful!

4. Adding the Spinach:

Next, it’s time for the star of the show—fresh spinach! Add it to the skillet and stir until it wilts down, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. You want the spinach to be bright and tender.

5. Finishing Touches:

Once the spinach is wilted, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped green onions and half of the crumbled feta cheese to give it a delicious finish.

6. Serving It Up:

Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve your stir fry hot, garnished with the remaining feta cheese and fresh parsley if you like. It’s fresh, healthy, and perfect for a quick meal!

Enjoy your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry!

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for an even lighter option. Just be mindful that turkey can cook faster and might need a little extra seasoning since it’s usually milder in flavor compared to beef. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, aiming for the turkey to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use canned beans like chickpeas or black beans. Just cook the beans until heated through and spice them as described in the recipe. You might also want to add some extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added depth!

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best taste and quality, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it, but stirring halfway can help with even heating.

Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Stir Fry?

Absolutely! This stir fry is super versatile. Feel free to replace the red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes with whatever vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for firmer veggies and add them earlier in the cooking process if they take longer to soften.