🥘 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 ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned (5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened (2 minutes).

4. Add bell pepper and zucchini, sauté for 3–4 minutes.

5. Mix in cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables soften and flavors combine.

6. Stir in olives and cook for 1 more minute.

7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley.

8. Serve warm with lemon wedges, pita bread, or over rice/quinoa.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
👉 Yes, it stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Q2: What can I use instead of ground beef?
👉 Ground lamb, turkey, or chicken all work well for a lighter version.

Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
👉 Absolutely! Just replace ground beef with extra chickpeas, lentils, or plant-based meat.

Q4: What’s the best side dish for this skillet?
👉 Pita bread, couscous, rice, quinoa, or a fresh Greek salad.

Q5: Can I add more veggies?
👉 Yes! Eggplant, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions.

Q6: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
👉 Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove for best texture.