Created on September 12th, 2025 at 04:59 pm
Juicy beef with fresh Mediterranean flavors
Looking for a flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet is your new weeknight hero. Juicy ground beef is browned with cumin and smoked paprika, then tossed with sweet bell peppers, zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes. A sprinkle of briny olives and fresh parsley brings a coastal flair, while crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts add irresistible richness. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze — perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with warm pita, fluffy rice, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal the whole family will love. A fresh, vibrant twist on ground beef dinners! 🫒🍋
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet isn’t just quick — it’s a lifestyle saver. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s the ideal balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats, making it both filling and nutritious. The Mediterranean spices add bold flavor without requiring special ingredients, and the dish adapts easily: swap in ground turkey, add extra veggies, or keep it low-carb by serving as-is. With its colorful presentation and bright lemony finish, this meal works for weeknight family dinners, meal prep lunches, or casual entertaining. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
For the stir-fry:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Toppings (optional but delicious):
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ tsp sumac (optional, for extra tang)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Spread out in an even layer and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Add veggies: Stir in bell pepper and zucchini. Cook 5 minutes until slightly tender. Add cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking 2 minutes more.
- Finish with freshness: Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Top with feta, pine nuts, and sumac (if using).
👉 Serve hot with pita, rice, quinoa, or enjoy as a low-carb skillet meal. 🍋🫒
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
- Substitutions: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for variety. Swap zucchini with eggplant or squash.
- Meal prep: Portion into containers with rice or quinoa for easy lunches.
- Serving idea: Wrap in pita with tzatziki for a street-food style dinner.
📊 Nutrition (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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