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This Mediterranean stir fry is my secret weapon for turning a standard pound of ground beef into an incredibly flavorful and vibrant weeknight meal. It brings together warm spices, hearty chickpeas, and fresh vegetables in one skillet, solving the "what's for dinner" dilemma in under 30 minutes.
This recipe came about one evening when I was staring at a package of ground beef and was determined not to make tacos or spaghetti. The combination of cinnamon and cumin with the fire roasted tomatoes was a revelation, and it's been a family favorite ever since.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: a good quality extra virgin olive oil provides a fruity, peppery base for the whole dish
- Garlic: fresh cloves are a must for a pungent, aromatic foundation
- Red onion: it offers a slightly sweet flavor that mellows beautifully when cooked
- Red and yellow bell peppers: they add sweetness, color, and a nice tender crunch
- Zucchini: this adds bulk and soaks up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce
- Cherry tomatoes: they burst while cooking, creating little pockets of sweet, jammy flavor
- Ground beef: an 80 percent lean blend gives the best balance of flavor and moisture
- Dried oregano: this herb provides a classic, earthy Mediterranean backbone
- Ground coriander: it adds a warm, citrusy note that brightens the spice blend
- Ground cinnamon: just a hint brings a surprising warmth and depth you can't quite place but will absolutely love
- Ground cumin: its earthy, smoky flavor is essential to the dish's character
- Ground clove and allspice: these add a complex, fragrant warmth that is a hallmark of regional cooking
- Crushed red pepper flakes: use as much or as little as you like to control the heat
- Tomato sauce: this creates the rich, savory base of the stir fry
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: look for these specifically, as their smoky flavor adds incredible depth
- Chickpeas: these add a creamy texture, fiber, and protein
- Green onions and fresh parsley: they bring a fresh, bright finish when sprinkled on at the end
- Feta cheese: choose a block of feta in brine for the creamiest texture and saltiest bite
Step by Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat your olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and diced red onion. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about two to three minutes. You’re looking for the onion to become soft and translucent and for the garlic to release its incredible fragrance into the oil. This step builds the first layer of flavor.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes directly to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, which helps draw out their moisture and deepens their flavor. Continue to cook for four to five minutes, stirring every so often, until the peppers begin to soften and the tomatoes start to break down slightly. Once they're tender, transfer all the vegetables from the skillet to a large bowl and set it aside for later.
- Brown the Beef and Spices:
- Place the skillet back on the medium heat. Add the ground beef and spread it out into a thin, even layer. Let it sit for a minute or two without stirring to get a good sear. Sprinkle all the dry spices oregano, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, clove, and the optional red pepper flakes and cayenne directly over the meat. Now, begin breaking up the beef with a spoon and sauté for seven to nine minutes. The goal is to have the beef fully cooked, browned, and crumbly, and the spices will become wonderfully fragrant as they toast in the rendered fat. Carefully drain off any excess grease.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the browned beef. Pour in the can of tomato sauce and the undrained can of fire roasted tomatoes. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir everything together gently until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for two to three minutes. This brief simmer allows the sauce to thicken slightly and gives all the individual flavors a chance to meld into one cohesive, delicious dish.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Generously sprinkle the top with the chopped fresh parsley, green onions, and crumbled feta cheese. The heat from the dish will slightly soften the feta and release the oils from the fresh herbs. It's ready to serve immediately.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the spice blend. The tiny amount of cinnamon is the secret ingredient that makes everyone ask what makes it taste so special. It's a trick I learned from a friend's grandmother, and it reminds me of how a tiny detail can completely transform a dish from good to unforgettable.
Storing Your Stir Fry
To store leftovers, allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer safe container or bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Don't be afraid to make substitutions based on what you have. Ground turkey or ground lamb are excellent alternatives to beef. If you want to make it vegetarian, you can use plant based crumbles or simply double the amount of chickpeas or add a can of lentils. Other vegetables like chopped eggplant, mushrooms, or a handful of spinach stirred in at the end would also be delicious additions.
How to Serve It
This stir fry is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic served hot over a bed of fluffy basmati or jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. For a different texture, try it with couscous or quinoa. You can also serve it with warm pita bread for scooping or alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a fresh contrast. For a lower carb option, it’s wonderful over cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of ground beef is best?
80% lean ground beef works well, providing a good balance of flavor and leanness. You can also use 90% lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or even ground lamb works great as a substitute. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the protein choice.
- → What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Eggplant, mushrooms, spinach, and other Mediterranean vegetables are excellent additions. Consider adding them along with the bell peppers and zucchini.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Ensure that the plant-based substitute is browned similarly to the beef, for taste.
- → What can I serve this with other than rice?
Quinoa, couscous, or even pita bread are good alternatives to rice. You can also enjoy it on its own as a hearty and flavorful bowl.
- → How do I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.