Print

Succulent Mediterranean Ground Beef Recipe in 20 Minutes

Mediterranean ground beef
Print Recipe

A quick and healthy one-pan Mediterranean ground beef dinner with zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, cut into chunky half-moons
  • 1 medium yellow squash (optional), cut into chunks
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (red and/or yellow)
  • 1 bell pepper (orange or yellow), cut into chunks
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more to top)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it up as it cooks, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add red onion to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Cook the veggies: Add zucchini (and yellow squash if using) plus bell pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until tender-crisp.
  4. Add tomatoes + seasonings: Stir in cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning (or oregano), cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes, just until tomatoes start to soften and get glossy.
  5. Finish the sauce: Drizzle in balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and toss everything together until coated and shiny.
  6. Herb it up: Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Serve warm (or room temp) as a bowl or spooned into pita.

Notes

  • Serve with rice, quinoa, couscous, pita, or over greens.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave for 60–90 seconds.
  • For a leaner option, use 93/7 ground beef or ground turkey.
  • Add crumbled feta, olives, cucumber, or a dollop of tzatziki for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean ground beef, one pan ground beef dinner, ground beef vegetable skillet, healthy ground beef recipe, zucchini tomato ground beef, meal prep bowls

Find it online: https://jessicarecipe.com/mediterranean-ground-beef-recipe-note-this-is-a-clean-seo-friendly-slug-under-60-characters-that-includes-the-primary-keyword-mediterranean-ground-beef-exactly-while-being-relevant-to-the-re/