This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a feast for your taste buds! Ground beef meets colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, all cooked in a yummy blend of spices.
What’s great about this dish is how quick it is to make. I love serving it over rice or with warm pita. You can easily whip it up for a busy weeknight dinner—so easy, you might just dance in your kitchen! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (90-95%) is best to keep it flavorful without too much grease. For a healthier twist, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. They work nicely but the flavor will be a bit milder.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds great nutrition and flavor. If it’s unavailable, you can use kale or even frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before using.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and acidity. If you cannot find them, regular tomatoes diced up will do the trick. You might want to add a pinch of sugar to mimic the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.
Red Bell Pepper: For a touch of sweetness and color, red bell pepper shines here. Other sweet peppers can work, or you can use yellow or orange bell peppers if you prefer. For a spicy kick, you could try jalapeños instead!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a creamy, salty punch. If you’re not a fan, crumbled goat cheese, ricotta, or even Parmesan can be great substitutes, each with a different flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef for Stir Fry?
Cooking ground beef right is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. This sets the stage for great flavor.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic first. Sauté them until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This builds a flavorful base.
- Next, crank up the heat to medium-high before adding the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks. This helps ensure even browning and cooking, taking around 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t rush the browning! Letting it brown adds a lovely depth of flavor. If there’s excess fat when done, you can drain it off.
By following these steps, your ground beef will be perfectly cooked and ready to shine in your stir fry!
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Mediterranean stir fry takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal that packs a punch with flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and you can smell that lovely garlic aroma.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, increase the heat slightly to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Keep cooking it for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Time to stir in the diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. Continue to sauté everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften a bit and add some vibrant color to your dish.
4. Toss in Spinach and Seasonings:
Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down nicely and everything is well combined.
5. Finish with Feta Cheese:
Take your delicious stir fry off the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The creamy feta will add a wonderful flavor!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, add a touch of color by garnishing with sliced green onions. Enjoy the stir fry hot on its own, or serve it over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Your Mediterranean dinner is ready to enjoy!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time, as some alternatives may cook faster than beef.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even ricotta for a creamier texture. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try using nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the dish moist, and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can prepare everything except the spinach and feta in advance. Just reheat the beef mixture, and add spinach and feta just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
