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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - Crumbled feta cheese Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The ground beef serves as the main protein, while fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Cooked quinoa or couscous acts as a hearty base. The spices, including cumin and paprika, give the dish that warm Mediterranean flavor. Don't forget the optional parsley and feta for a fresh touch! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to mix and match based on what you like. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. How do you prepare the vegetables? Start by washing all your fresh produce. Dice the onion into small pieces. Cut the red bell pepper into thin slices. Slice the zucchini into half-moons. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Keep your veggies ready and separate for easy cooking. What are tips for measuring out spices? Use measuring spoons for accurate amounts. Ground cumin and smoked paprika are strong. A little goes a long way. Keep your spices fresh; this enhances flavor. How do you heat the olive oil? In a large skillet or wok, pour in two tablespoons of olive oil. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers, which shows it is hot enough. How do you brown the ground beef? Add one pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef turns brown. Drain any extra fat to keep it light. How do you sauté the aromatics? Lower the heat slightly. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. You want the onions to be soft and fragrant. How do you incorporate the vegetables? Add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir-fry this mix for another 5-7 minutes. Make sure the veggies are tender but still crisp. How do you season the mixture? Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the veggies and beef. Stir well to mix the spices evenly throughout the dish. How do you mix in the quinoa or couscous? Fold in one cup of cooked quinoa or couscous into the skillet. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined and heated through. This should take about 2-3 minutes. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry! To make your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry truly shine, seasoning is key. Use fresh herbs and spices for a burst of flavor. Salt and pepper enhance the taste, while cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano add warmth. Always taste as you cook; adjust seasonings as needed for your desired flavor. Selecting fresh ingredients is also vital. Look for bright, firm vegetables. Choose ground beef with good color and minimal fat. Fresh garlic and onions will boost the aroma and taste of your dish. You can even visit local markets for seasonal produce, ensuring the best quality. Stir-frying is quick and fun. Heat your oil until it shimmers before adding the beef. This step locks in flavor and gives a nice sear. Break the beef into small pieces for even cooking. When adding vegetables, keep them crisp. Stir-fry over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures they cook quickly and stay vibrant. Aim for a mix of textures; you want tender yet crunchy veggies in every bite. To serve, create a beautiful presentation. Use shallow bowls for your stir fry. Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta for a pop of color and flavor. For a complete meal, pair the stir fry with a simple green salad. A lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the dish. You can also serve it over rice or in pita bread for added texture. Enjoy exploring the Mediterranean flavors with each bite! For the full recipe, click here. {{image_4}} You can switch ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat. Each protein offers a unique taste. You can also mix and match vegetables. Use broccoli, spinach, or even eggplant. They add different flavors and colors. Want a twist? Add spices like cinnamon or coriander. These will change the taste. You can also use sauces to enhance the dish. Try tahini for creaminess or yogurt for tang. Each sauce brings new flavors to your meal. If you need gluten-free options, use quinoa instead of couscous. Quinoa is a great substitute and tasty too. For a low-carb dish, skip the grains. Load up on extra vegetables for a healthy boost. These changes keep the meal satisfying while meeting dietary needs. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. After cooking, let your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. The dish stays fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to keep moisture in. If you want to keep it longer, freezing works well. Let the stir fry cool completely. Portion it into freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. Leftovers are best eaten within three days if stored in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage before eating. If the meat has an off smell or the vegetables seem slimy, it's time to toss it. Always trust your senses; they guide you well. Enjoy your tasty meals safely! You can prepare this dish in advance for easy meals. Start by cooking the ground beef and vegetables as the recipe states. Let them cool before storage. Place the stir fry in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes meal prep easy and quick! Yes, you can use rice or pasta instead of quinoa. White or brown rice works well and cooks quickly. If you prefer pasta, choose a short shape like penne or fusilli. Cook either option according to package instructions. Add them at the same step as quinoa in the recipe. This gives you flexibility based on what you have at home. Each serving offers a balanced mix of nutrients. You get about 400 calories per serving. It includes protein from ground beef and fiber from vegetables. The dish has healthy fats from olive oil and optional feta cheese. Key nutrients include iron, vitamin C, and calcium. This meal is not only tasty but also good for you! This blog post covered the essential ingredients and steps for making a tasty Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry. You learned how to prepare fresh veggies, season your dish, and combine flavors for the best taste. Remember, you can swap ingredients to match your diet and store leftovers safely for later meals. Keep experimenting to find your favorite flavors and enjoy your cooking. A few small changes can make a big difference. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry! Packed with vibrant veggies, aromatic spices, and wholesome quinoa, this quick recipe offers a taste of the Mediterranean in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s healthy, flavorful, and sure to impress! Ready to dive into a delightful culinary experience? Click through to explore the full recipe and wow your family with this amazing dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cooked quinoa (or couscous)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or wok, pour in the olive oil and set the heat to medium-high. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for cooking.

    Cook the Ground Beef: Carefully add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.

      Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat slightly and stir in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

        Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the vegetables become tender yet retain a bit of crispness.

          Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

            Mix in the Quinoa: Fold in the cooked quinoa (or couscous) into the skillet, stirring gently until all ingredients are fully combined and heated through, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Generously sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stir fry and add crumbled feta cheese if you choose to enhance the flavor profile.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the vibrant stir-fry in shallow bowls. For an eye-catching finish, garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Enhance your meal by pairing it with a refreshing simple green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette. Enjoy your culinary journey through the Mediterranean!