Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-fry with Olives & Feta Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired ground beef stir-fry loaded with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese. This quick and easy skillet recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a delicious, protein-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Spices & Seasonings
- 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)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are softened and starting to become translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook the ground beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up using a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s browned all over and cooked through.
- Season the beef: Stir in salt, black pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the spices to toast with the meat for about 30 seconds to deepen the flavors.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini into the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Incorporate tomatoes and olives: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives. Cook together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish with fresh ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten the dish.
- Serve: Plate the stir-fry immediately, topping each serving with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and creaminess.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85% or higher) to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Adjust spice levels based on preference—omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
- Sumac is optional but adds a nice tangy flavor; substitute with a squeeze of additional lemon juice if unavailable.
- To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, shaking frequently to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs well with warm pita bread or over a bed of rice or couscous for a complete meal.
Keywords: Mediterranean, ground beef, stir-fry, olives, feta, quick dinner, healthy, easy recipe
