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.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Protein
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
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces to have everything ready for cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Mediterranean, ground beef, skillet, quick dinner, healthy, one-pan meal, easy recipe, family friendly, gluten free