🥘 Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the pan
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.

2. Cook the aromatics
   Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Brown the beef
   Add ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

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

5. Season & combine
   Add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook another 3–4 minutes until everything is heated through and tomatoes soften slightly.

6. Finish bright
   Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.

7. Serve
   Top with crumbled feta if desired. Serve warm on its own, over rice, quinoa, couscous, or with warm pita bread.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• Over cauliflower rice for low-carb

• Stuffed into pita pockets

• As a filling for lettuce wraps

• Topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze it?

A: Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

Q: Can I substitute the beef?

A: Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb work well. For vegetarian, try lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped fresh chili.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, as written it’s naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any sides (like pita) are gluten-free if needed.

Q: Can I add more Mediterranean flavor?

A: Try adding kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning.