Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Skillet featuring ground beef or lamb sautéed with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and herbs. This quick and easy one-pan dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, served over brown rice or baby arugula and topped with tangy crumbled feta cheese.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- 1 small red bell pepper, core removed and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Other
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free, Paleo, and Whole30)
- Prepared brown rice or baby arugula (optional for serving; use cauliflower rice or omit rice for Paleo and Whole30)
Instructions
- Cook the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or lamb together with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the meat, breaking it up with the edge of a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount in the pan for sautéing the vegetables, then set the cooked meat aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced red onion, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Toss and cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add spices and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped oregano, and chopped dill. Toss thoroughly to combine and let the spices toast in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
- Combine meat and finish: Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet and mix well with the spiced vegetables and herbs. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and veggie mixture into bowls over prepared brown rice or baby arugula, if desired. Top each serving with crumbled feta cheese and additional fresh dill. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious Mediterranean skillet meal.
Notes
- Use ground lamb instead of beef for a richer, more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Omit feta to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free, Paleo, and Whole30 diets.
- Swap brown rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option compatible with Paleo and Whole30 guidelines.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste depending on preferred spice level.
- Fresh herbs like oregano and dill are crucial for authentic flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon each dried).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
