Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet
This Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet is a one-pan meal packed with bold Mediterranean flavors. It combines lean ground beef with colorful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of lemon for a satisfying and nutritious dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be served on its own, over rice, quinoa, or with warm pita bread.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
For Serving (Optional):
Warm pita bread
Cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
Tzatziki sauce or hummus
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Saute the Aromatics:
Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil, then stir in the diced onion and garlic. Saute for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Veggies:
Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the veggies soften but still have a bit of bite.
4. Season the Dish:
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat everything in the seasonings.
5. Finish with Fresh Ingredients:
Turn off the heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve hot on its own, with rice, quinoa, or pita bread. Add a dollop of tzatziki or hummus for extra flavor.
Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Notes & Tips
Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Add More Protein: Toss in a can of drained chickpeas for extra plant-based protein.
Lower Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of grains.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
This dish is quick, flavorful, and packed with nutrients!