Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1 lbground beef or lamb
- 1 tspkosher salt
- ½ tspground black pepper
- ½ smallred onion
thinly sliced
- 1 smallzucchini
halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- 1 smallred bell pepper
core removed and thinly sliced
- 2garlic cloves
minced
- 1 tspsmoked paprika
- 1 tspground cumin
- ½ tspred pepper flakes
- 1 tbspfresh oregano leaves
- 2 tbspfresh dill
- 2 tbspsqueezed lemon juice
- ½ ccrumbled feta
)
- Prepared brown rice or baby arugula
)
Directions
- 1
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with the edge of a spoon until it is cooked through and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain the meat and set aside, keeping a small amount of fat in the bottom of the pan to sauté the veggies.
- 2
Decrease the heat to medium and add the onion, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook, tossing, until they are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
- 3
Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, oregano, and dill. Toss until well combined and the spices toast a bit, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the ground meat back into the skillet and toss until well combined. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from the heat.
- 4
Ladle into bowls over prepared brown rice or baby arugula, if desired. Top with crumbed feta and more dill to garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Skillet
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About this Recipe
Delicious & Quick Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Skillet
Looking for healthy dinner ideas that are both flavorful and fast? This Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Skillet is your answer! In just 25 minutes total, you can whip up a vibrant, protein-packed meal that's naturally gluten-free and easily adapted for dairy-free, Paleo, and Whole30 diets. It's the perfect quick dinner recipe for busy weeknights, delivering a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.
This skillet comes alive with lean ground beef (or lamb for an even richer flavor), fresh zucchini, crisp red bell pepper, and aromatic red onion, all seasoned with a fragrant blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of red pepper flakes. The magic truly happens with a generous finish of fresh oregano, dill, and a bright squeeze of lemon juice, tying all the Mediterranean flavors together beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Skillet Meal
- Speedy & Simple: With only 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver.
- Dietary Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, and simple modifications make it suitable for dairy-free, Paleo, and Whole30 lifestyles. Just omit the feta and serve with cauliflower rice or greens instead of brown rice.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory meat, tender-crisp vegetables, warm spices, and fresh herbs creates an incredibly satisfying and well-rounded flavor profile.
Tips for Success & Delicious Variations
For best results, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to get a nice sear. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the vegetables to ensure they get tender and slightly caramelized, not steamed.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach (add at the very end), cherry tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms.
- Spice It Up: If you love a little extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this Mediterranean beef skillet pairs wonderfully with:
- Fluffy brown rice for a hearty meal.
- A bed of fresh baby arugula for a lighter, salad-like experience.
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb, Paleo, or Whole30 option.
- A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast (omit for dairy-free/Paleo/Whole30).
This ground beef and veggie skillet isn't just a meal; it's a flavorful journey to the Mediterranean, made easy and healthy!