Making a quick, delicious dinner is sometimes about cleaning out the freezer and fridge of vegetables. This simple dish is browned ground beef, garlic, scallions, cherry tomatoes, spinach, peppers, and feta. Spices are up to you, as I used cumin, red pepper flakes for some heat, paprika, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
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What is great about Mediterranean Ground Beef?
The combination of herbs, spices, and vegetables in this recipe creates a well-balanced and flavorful dish. The dried oregano, basil, thyme, and paprika add aromatic and earthy notes, while the vegetables provide freshness and texture.
This recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve Mediterranean ground beef over rice, pasta, or with warm pita bread. It can also be used as a filling for tacos, wraps, or sandwiches, allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences.
The recipe is straightforward and doesn't require complicated techniques or ingredients. It can be prepared relatively quickly, making it convenient for weeknight dinners or when you're short on time.
This recipe incorporates lean ground beef and a variety of vegetables, providing a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's a healthy and satisfying meal option.
The use of Mediterranean flavors and ingredients adds a distinct and delicious twist to ground beef. The combination of onion, garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and tomatoes creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that is both comforting and vibrant.
Tips
Choose lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef with a lower fat content, such as 90% lean or higher. This will help keep the dish lighter and healthier.
Properly season the ground beef: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper while browning it. This helps to enhance the flavor of the meat. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Sauté the vegetables correctly: When sautéing the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini, make sure to cook them until they are tender but still slightly crisp. This adds texture and freshness to the dish.
Mediterranean Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked, add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to fully cook.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve the Mediterranean ground beef over cooked rice, pasta, or with warm pita bread. You can also serve it as a filling for tacos, wraps, or sandwiches.
Suggested Pairing
Serve with a medium-bodied red wine with good acidity and moderate tannins would work well. Consider choosing a red wine from the Mediterranean region itself, such as a Spanish Tempranillo, Italian Sangiovese, or a Greek Agiorgitiko. These wines often have herbal and earthy notes that can complement the herbs and spices in the dish.