Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 90% lean)

Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced or thinly sliced

• 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 8 oz baby spinach

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

2. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened

Cook Vegetables:
3. Add red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and tomatoes blister
5. Add spinach and white parts of green onions, stirring until spinach wilts
6. Remove vegetables to a plate and set aside

Brown the Beef:
7. Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet
8. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula
9. Season with oregano, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper
10. Cook for 5-7 minutes until beef is browned and fully cooked through
11. Drain any excess grease if necessary

Final Assembly:
12. Return vegetables to the skillet with the beef
13. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through
14. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice
15. Garnish with green parts of green onions, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley
16. Serve immediately while hot