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Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet

Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet is a quick, wholesome, and flavorful one-pan dish combining lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and warm spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a balanced meal full of Mediterranean flair, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, delivering a delicious and satisfying family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Mediterranean Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, to build the foundation of flavor.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  4. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes with their juices, cumin, and paprika. Mix well, allowing the peppers to soften and the spices to bloom for about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir In Olives and Herbs: Add the Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and parsley. Stir until evenly distributed and let everything simmer together for another 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Optional Finish with Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the skillet. Cover the pan for about a minute to let the cheese soften, giving a creamy tangy layer to every bite.

Notes

  • Choose quality beef: Higher fat content beef adds richness but leaner beef keeps the dish healthier.
  • Don’t overcook vegetables: Keep bell peppers crisp-tender for a texture contrast.
  • Add fresh herbs last: To preserve their bright flavor and avoid bitterness.
  • Use good olive oil: It enhances the flavor in this simple skillet dish.
  • Season gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and spices carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, ground beef, skillet, quick dinner, healthy, one-pan meal, easy recipe, family friendly, gluten free