🍳 Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• ½ cup olives (black or green), sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add aromatics

Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Add vegetables

Add zucchini and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.

4. Build flavor

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Mix well.

5. Simmer

Let everything simmer for 8–10 minutes so flavors combine and sauce thickens.

6. Finish it off

Stir in olives and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Garnish & serve

Top with feta cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Over rice or quinoa
• With warm pita bread
• Stuffed into wraps
• On top of roasted potatoes
• Low-carb: serve in lettuce cups

❓ Q&A (Common Questions)

❓ Can I use a different meat?

Yes. Ground lamb gives a more traditional Mediterranean flavor. Chicken or turkey works for a lighter option.

❓ How do I make it low-fat?

• Use lean ground beef (90% or higher)
• Drain fat after browning
• Reduce feta or use a lighter cheese

❓ Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace beef with:

• Cooked lentils
• Chickpeas
• Plant-based ground meat

❓ How spicy is this?

Mild by default. Add more chili flakes or fresh chili if you want heat.

❓ Can I meal prep this?

Yes—this dish stores very well:

• Fridge: up to 4 days
• Freezer: up to 2 months

Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water.

❓ What other veggies can I add?

Try:

• Eggplant
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes

❓ Why add lemon juice?

It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the beef and feta.

❓ Can I make it one-pan?

It already is! Everything cooks in a single skillet.