Tasty Beef Veggie Mix

This 30-minute Mediterranean ground beef mix combines basic items into a tasty, low-carb meal. The bright veggies and herbs make it feel like a treat while staying keto-friendly.

I came up with this dish during a super busy week when I needed quick but healthy dinners. Now it's my favorite fix for crazy weeknights when I want something filling without feeling sluggish afterward.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Go with 85/15 for the right mix of taste and juiciness without too much fat
• Onion and garlic: These flavor builders create the base of Mediterranean taste
• Bell peppers: Try different colors for eye appeal and various nutrients
• Zucchini: Gives body and soaks up flavors while keeping carbs down
• Cherry tomatoes: Add sweetness and tang to cut through the rich beef
• Olive oil: Pick extra virgin for real Mediterranean flavor
• Dried herbs: Oregano and thyme bring classic Greek notes that boost without taking over
• Feta cheese: Delivers creamy tanginess and authentic Mediterranean flair
• Fresh parsley: Lifts the final dish with color and fresh herby flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Cut all veggies before turning on any heat. Cut onion into small chunks, slice peppers into skinny strips, chop zucchini into half moons about quarter inch thick, and cut cherry tomatoes in half. Having everything set up makes cooking smooth and stress-free once you start.

Cook The Beef:

Warm your biggest pan over medium high heat until it feels hot when you hold your hand above it. Pour in one tablespoon olive oil and spread it around. Add ground beef, breaking it into chunks with a wooden spoon. Let it get crusty on one side before stirring, around 2 minutes. Keep cooking and breaking it up until fully browned, about 5 minutes total.

Build The Flavor Base:

Keep the beef in the pan but push it to one side. Add the other tablespoon of oil to the empty spot. Toss in onions and cook for 2 minutes until they start softening. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until you can smell it but before it browns. Mix everything together so the beef can soak up these flavors.

Add The Veggies:

Toss the bell peppers and zucchini into the pan. Mix them in and cook for 3 minutes until they soften slightly but stay a bit crisp. Add cherry tomatoes at the end since they need less cooking time to avoid getting mushy.

Add Seasonings:

Scatter oregano and thyme over everything, then add salt and pepper. Start with half teaspoon of each salt and pepper, then taste and add more if needed. Stir everything so the herbs spread out, letting them warm up and release flavors for about a minute.

Complete The Dish:

Take the pan off the heat. If you're using feta, sprinkle it on top of the hot mixture where it'll get soft without fully melting. Throw fresh parsley on top right before serving to add brightness that works well with the cooked flavors.

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Cherry tomatoes are my hidden trick in this meal. When they're cooked until just starting to pop, they let out sweet juices that make a light sauce coating everything with amazing flavor. Even my husband, who usually wants rice with everything, eats this by itself without missing carbs at all.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish gets even better over time as flavors blend together. You can make it up to three days early and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you want to eat it, warm it gently in a pan with a splash of water to bring back moisture. The veggies will get a bit softer when reheated but still taste great. If you plan to save some, maybe wait to add the feta and fresh herbs until you're ready to serve instead of during cooking.

Customization Options

This recipe follows Mediterranean style but you can easily change it based on what you like or have around. Ground lamb works really well instead of beef and gives a deeper flavor. For more veggies, try adding eggplant, artichoke hearts, or olives for extra Mediterranean touch. If you aren't strictly keto, throwing in some chickpeas adds nice texture. Want it spicy? Add a bit of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with your other veggies.

Serving Suggestions

If you aren't doing keto, this stir fry tastes great over cauliflower rice, staying low carb but making the meal more filling. A side of tzatziki gives a cool contrast to the warm food. For a full Mediterranean experience, serve it with a simple Greek salad with cucumber, red onion, and lemon olive oil dressing. For family members who eat carbs, warm pita bread works perfectly for scooping up all the good stuff.

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This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry perfectly combines big flavors with healthy ingredients—just what you need for busy weeknight meals!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this dish more spicy?

For extra kick, throw in some red pepper flakes while cooking your beef, or mix in a chopped jalapeño with your veggies. A splash of hot sauce or some harissa would also work really well with these Mediterranean tastes.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Sure thing! Ground lamb gives you a true Mediterranean flavor, while ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter option. If you want to go meat-free, try crumbled firm tofu or tempeh instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, warm everything in a pan over medium heat. It's best to add fresh feta after reheating.

→ What can I serve with this dish to make it a complete meal?

This dish stands alone pretty well, but you can pair it with cauliflower rice if you want to keep it keto-friendly. A basic Greek salad or some steamed green veggies would also go great with these flavors.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You bet! Just don't add the feta cheese before freezing. Let everything cool down first, then put it in freezer containers. It'll keep for about 3 months. Thaw in your fridge overnight and heat it up thoroughly, then sprinkle fresh feta on top when you're ready to eat.

→ How can I make this more authentically Mediterranean?

Toss in some olives, capers, or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair. Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones like oregano, basil and mint. Before serving, drizzle good olive oil on top and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over everything.