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Flavor-Packed Ground Beef Mediterranean Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

Flavor-Packed Ground Beef Mediterranean Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious ground beef mediterranean recipes. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean is perfect for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 cup cooked couscous or rice, for serving

If you want to swap ingredients, ground lamb can be used instead of beef for a richer taste, or leave out the olives if you’re not a fan — though I’ll admit, I grew up loving the briny pop they add, like little bursts of mountain spring water in every bite.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step always reminds me of Mama Lu’s kitchen — the way she’d coax sweetness out of simple onions, filling the whole house with that warm, inviting smell.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. The scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil is one of those timeless kitchen moments that feels like a hug.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spoon or spatula, letting it brown evenly. You want to develop those caramelized bits on the bottom — that’s where the magic is. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.
  4. Stir in the dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This blend of spices brings a subtle earthiness and warmth that sets this dish apart.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes and olives, stirring to combine. Lower the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the mixture to thicken slightly.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. The fresh herbs and tangy feta brighten the dish, giving it that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
  7. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice. I often think about how Mama Lu would have paired this with something humble and hearty, like cornbread or mashed potatoes, but the couscous feels like a natural, sunny match here.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/ground-beef-mediterranean-recipes/