Why make this recipe
Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. It combines hearty ground beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, making it a satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for any night of the week, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, it requires just one skillet, which means less cleanup for you!
How to make Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Sumac (optional)
Directions:
- Warm olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and golden.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Crumble in ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, about 6 minutes, breaking up meat as necessary.
- Fold in the diced bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes until soft but still slightly crunchy.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives; stir and let bubble for another couple of minutes.
- Remove from heat and toss in chopped parsley and lemon juice.
- Finish with crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of sumac if using.
How to serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet
Serve the Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet warm. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side of warm pita bread. It’s also great served over a bed of rice or with a simple side salad to balance the meal.
How to store Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet
To store leftovers, place the skillet in an airtight container and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Tips to make Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the ground beef with spices for a few hours before cooking.
- If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during cooking.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
variation
You can easily customize this skillet by adding other vegetables such as spinach or eggplant. You can also experiment with different types of olives or cheese based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
2. How can I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten ingredients. Just ensure that any condiments (like olives) are also gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet?
Yes, you can freeze the skillet meal. Just ensure it is completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Warm olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and golden.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Crumble in ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, about 6 minutes, breaking up meat as necessary.
- Fold in the diced bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes until soft but still slightly crunchy.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives; stir and let bubble for another couple of minutes.
- Remove from heat and toss in chopped parsley and lemon juice.
- Finish with crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of sumac if using.
