Description
A quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired ground beef stir-fry loaded with veggies, herbs, and bold spices—perfect for a healthy dinner served over rice or pita.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta, sliced olives, chopped mint
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 4–5 min.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon; cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 min.
- Stir in ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 min to toast spices.
- Mix in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3–4 min until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add diced zucchini; cook 4–5 min until tender but still crisp.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley (or cilantro) and lemon juice.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or in pita. Top with feta, olives, and mint if using.
Notes
- Use lean beef (85% or higher) to reduce excess grease.
- For a lighter twist, substitute ground turkey or lamb.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- Adjust heat with more or less red pepper flakes.
- Great for meal prep—store in airtight containers in the fridge up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (≈240 g)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg