Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining sautéed bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach with seasoned ground beef. Finished with fresh green onions and optional crumbled feta, it's a vibrant, wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 8 ounces baby spinach (small tub)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté vegetables. In a large pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the tomatoes blister and release their juices, creating a saucy texture. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Wilt the spinach and green onion whites. Add the baby spinach and the white parts of the sliced green onions to the pan. The spinach will initially fill the pan but will quickly wilt. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach has fully wilted. Once done, transfer these sautéed vegetables to a plate set aside.
- Cook the ground beef. Return the pan to medium-high heat and add the ground beef, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is uniformly browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish light.
- Combine and finish. Return the sautéed vegetables to the pan with the cooked beef. Add the green parts of the sliced green onions. Stir everything together and cook just until warmed through, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the stir fry, if using. Serve immediately for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein options.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the Mediterranean theme.
- Serve over cooked rice, couscous, or with warm pita bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
