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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste I love using ground beef for this recipe. It cooks quickly and pairs well with fresh veggies. The onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and tomatoes add color and flavor. Garlic brings a nice aroma too. The spices, like oregano and paprika, really boost the taste. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a flavorful finish) Adding fresh parsley brightens the dish. Feta cheese gives it a creamy touch. You can skip these or add them based on your taste. - 2 cups cooked couscous or quinoa for serving Couscous or quinoa makes a great base for this stir fry. They soak up the flavors well and add a nice texture. You can use either, depending on what you have. For the full details on how to prepare this dish, check out the Full Recipe. - Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion looks clear and the garlic smells good. - Turn the heat to high. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Make sure it is brown and there is no pink left. - Next, add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons. Sauté the mix for another 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to soften a bit but stay crunchy. - Now, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Mix it well and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. - To serve, spoon the beef stir fry over 2 cups of cooked couscous or quinoa. - For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley and, if you like, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top. Enjoy your warm meal! Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To make your vegetables crispy, cook them over high heat. This helps them brown nicely. Stir them often to avoid burning. You can also use fresh vegetables. They will taste better and add color. For spices, feel free to tweak them to your taste. If you like it spicy, add more cumin or paprika. If you prefer milder flavors, hold back on the spices. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a rich flavor. It also helps the dish shine. Use bright, colorful plates to make your meal pop. This makes your food look more appetizing. You can even add extra cherry tomatoes on the side for a splash of color. If you want a lighter meal, switch out ground beef for turkey or chicken. These meats can be just as tasty. You can also load up on more veggies. Try adding spinach, carrots, or even broccoli. These options boost nutrition and flavor. Enjoy your meal while keeping it healthy! {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works well. They have a lighter taste but still absorb the flavors well. If you prefer plant-based options, try using plant-based ground meat. These alternatives provide a similar texture and taste. They are great for those seeking a meat-free meal. Feel free to play with the vegetables in this stir fry. Seasonal vegetables can make it fresh and exciting. Eggplant or spinach are fantastic choices. They add unique flavors and nutrients. You can also toss in chickpeas. They boost the protein and fiber content, making your dish more filling. Let your creativity shine by enhancing the flavors! Different herbs and spices can change the whole dish. Consider adding fresh basil or thyme for a twist. You can also try olives or sun-dried tomatoes. They add a burst of flavor and a Mediterranean touch. These small changes can make a big impact on taste. For the full recipe, you can check the detailed instructions above. After enjoying your Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry, it's smart to store the leftovers. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days in an airtight container. This helps keep your meal fresh and safe to eat. Always let the dish cool down before sealing it up. This way, it won’t trap steam and moisture, which can affect the taste. If you want to save your stir fry for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat your stir fry, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the texture nice. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps your meal tasty and enjoyable! To make this dish, start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until soft. Next, raise the heat and add ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Then, add red bell pepper and zucchini. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly. After that, stir in halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, serve the stir fry over cooked couscous or quinoa. Garnish with parsley and feta cheese for extra flavor. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. This dish pairs well with several options. Here are some great side dishes and bases: - Couscous - Quinoa - Rice - Pita bread - Greek salad - Roasted vegetables These sides add depth and flavor to your meal. They also help round out your dining experience. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for storage and meal prep: - Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure it's cooled before sealing. - Reheat: Use a skillet or microwave to reheat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Preparing ahead saves time and ensures a tasty meal is ready when you need it. In this blog post, I covered how to make an Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry. You learned about the key ingredients, from beef and fresh veggies to seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and serving, plus helpful tips for storing leftovers. Remember, you can swap proteins and veggies to suit your taste. Keep it fun and flavorful! This dish is not just easy; it’s also versatile and nutritious. Enjoy making it your own!

Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Elevate your dinner routine with this Mediterranean Delight Beef Stir Fry! Packed with vibrant vegetables and seasoned to perfection, this quick and easy recipe features ground beef, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes served over fluffy couscous or quinoa. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Click through to discover the full recipe and presentation tips that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups cooked couscous or quinoa

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a flavorful finish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.

      Raise the heat to high and introduce the ground beef into the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.

        Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.

          Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to warm through.

            To serve, spoon the beef stir fry over a generous bed of your choice of cooked couscous or quinoa. Top with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired, for a delightful Mediterranean touch.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes

                - Total Time: 25 minutes

                  - Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve in shallow bowls and add a drizzle of olive oil over the dish before garnishing. A few extra cherry tomato halves on the side add color and vibrancy!