This tasty Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is packed with flavors! You’ll enjoy the mix of tender beef and colorful veggies, all tossed in a zesty sauce that brings everything together.
It’s super quick to make, so it’s perfect for busy nights. I love serving it over rice or with warm pita bread. You can easily adjust the spices and veggies to suit your taste—fun and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (like 80/20) for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. For a vegetarian alternative, try using crumbled tempeh or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Spinach: Fresh spinach not only adds color but is also packed with nutrients. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach — just thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and burst when cooked. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes can be good substitutes. Both will give a different texture but still taste great.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tangy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try plant-based feta or omit it altogether. Crumbled goat cheese can be a tasty alternative as well.
Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and ground cumin are classic Mediterranean flavors. If you don’t have them, Italian seasoning could be a good substitute for oregano. For cumin, coriander can be used in a pinch, though it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef perfectly involves a few key steps. First, heat your skillet on medium-high heat before adding the oil. This helps to sear the meat and adds great flavor.
- Add the ground beef and let it sit for a minute before breaking it apart. This allows it to brown nicely.
- Use a spatula to break it up, stirring occasionally. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5-7 minutes.
- Seasoning it while cooking helps the flavors meld in, so don’t forget to add your garlic, oregano, and cumin early on!
Keeping the heat at medium-high is essential for a good sear, but remember to adjust if it seems like it’s cooking too fast or starting to burn. Happy cooking!
Delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll have a tasty dish on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will give your beef a nice, flavorful base to cook in.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Make sure the beef is cooked all the way through.
3. Add Seasonings:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and yummy.
4. Stir in Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes, letting the peppers soften and the tomatoes begin to break down.
5. Add Spinach:
Now it’s time for the star of the show: the spinach! Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish with Feta and Green Onions:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the stir fry with crumbled feta cheese and chopped green onions for extra flavor and crunch. If you like, you can add more green onions as a garnish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry onto plates while it’s warm. A delicious meal deserves to be enjoyed right away! Dig in and enjoy every bite.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster, so adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and no longer pink.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and drain excess moisture before adding it to the stir fry to avoid it being too watery.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or even eggplant for extra flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender before adding the spinach.
