This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal! With ground beef mixed with colorful veggies, herbs, and spices, it’s bursting with flavor.
My favorite part? It’s ready in no time! I love serving it with rice or pita. Easy to whip up on busy nights, and the leftovers are just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef provides the main protein in this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice color and nutrition. If you can’t find fresh, use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These bring sweetness to the dish. If they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes instead, adjusting the cooking time to let them heat through.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese option for a similar creamy texture.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauté?
Sautéing is key for building flavor in this stir fry. Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it soften first, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps release the onion’s sweetness, which is crucial.
- Once the onion is soft, add minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—it cooks quickly and burns easily!
- When you add ground beef, increase the heat to medium-high. This helps get a good sear and lock in flavor.
Remember to frequently stir and break the beef apart to avoid clumping, ensuring it cooks evenly. Enjoy these steps for a delicious base to your stir fry!
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick 30-minute meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This is going to give your dish a flavorful base.
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn—just long enough for it to become fragrant!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Increase the heat to medium-high, and break the beef apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it away to keep your stir fry from being greasy.
4. Add Your Veggies:
Stir in the diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 3-5 minutes until the bell peppers are tender and the tomatoes are just starting to soften. This will brighten up your dish with colors and flavors!
5. Wilt the Spinach:
Now, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. It will cook down quickly and give a fresh taste to the dish.
6. Finish with Feta:
Remove the skillet from the heat, then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of your stir-fry. This will add a deliciously creamy texture and salty flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry hot and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your hearty and healthy meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that turkey and chicken are leaner, so you might want to add a bit more olive oil or include a small amount of broth to keep the dish moist during cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese or prefer a different flavor, you can swap it for crumbled goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella. Each will give a slightly different taste and texture, but will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Stir Fry?
Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even kalamata olives for extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is cooked to your liking.
