Mediterranean Ground Beef with Fresh Vegetables and Spices (Print version)

A one-skillet Mediterranean ground beef dinner with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, feta, herbs, and warm spices.

# Ingredients:

For the beef and vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
02 - 1 small red onion, diced
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85/15 preferred
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the spices and finish

11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
14 - 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
17 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
18 - 1 cup (245 g) tomato sauce
19 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
20 - 2 packed cups (60 g) baby spinach
21 - 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
22 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
23 - 2 green onions, sliced
24 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add the bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
03 - Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the ground beef to the skillet. Break it into small crumbles and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
04 - Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until the beef smells fragrant.
05 - Return the vegetables to the skillet. Add tomato sauce and chickpeas, then simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the beef and vegetables.
06 - Fold in the spinach until just wilted. Remove from heat and top with feta, parsley, green onions, and lemon juice. Serve warm over rice, couscous, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served warm right after the feta and herbs are added.
02 - Cook ground beef to 160°F for food safety.
03 - Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.

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