Name: Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-fry with Olives & Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced; 1 small zucchini, diced; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup toasted pine nuts; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); ½ tsp sumac for extra tang (optional)

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Introduction

This Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-fry with Olives & Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a combination of tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean spices, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a colorful stir-fry dish that has three main layers: a base layer of finely browned ground meat with a crumbly texture, mixed with large chunks of grilled vegetables including green zucchini with a slightly charred skin, red and yellow bell pepper slices showing a shiny cooked surface, and thick pieces of purple onion with a soft, translucent look. Bright green fresh basil leaves sit on top as garnish, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors below. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a smooth texture visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
1 small zucchini, diced
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
½ tsp sumac for extra tang (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and beginning to turn translucent.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
Step 4: Stir in all the dry seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using). Allow the spices to toast for about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives. Cook for 2 minutes more.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Step 8: Serve immediately topped with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts.

Tips & Variations

For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Add a handful of baby spinach toward the end of cooking for extra greens.
Serve over cooked couscous, rice, or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep flavors fresh and textures intact. Add fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon after reheating for brightness.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful mix of cooked ground meat and diced vegetables. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is the ground meat, brown and crumbly in texture; on top of that are thick chunks of green zucchini with a slightly shiny surface, bright red bell peppers cut into small pieces, and pieces of purple onion; scattered throughout are fresh green basil leaves adding a bright touch. The bowl sits on a dark blue cloth on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just be sure any additional sides or accompaniments you serve are gluten-free.

What can I substitute for kalamata olives?

If you don’t have kalamata olives, you can use green olives or another favorite variety. Just keep in mind that olives add a briny flavor that complements the dish well.