Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet

Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet combines ground beef with a variety of fresh vegetables, flavored with warm spices, fresh herbs and feta cheese. This skillet recipe not only tastes great, but is a healthy, low carb, high protein dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil divided  
• 4 cloves garlic, minced  
• 1/2 small red onion, diced  
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced  
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, seeds removed, diced  
• 1 small zucchini, diced  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved  
• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20  
• 1 teaspoon oregano  
• 1 teaspoon coriander  
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon  
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin  
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice  
• 1/2 teaspoon clove  
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional  
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne red pepper, optional  
• 1 cup tomato sauce  
• 1 – 15 ounce can of fire roasted diced tomatoes  
• 1 – 15 ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed  
• 14 green onions green and white parts chopped, garnish  
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled, garnish  
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped, garnish

Cooking:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. 
2. Add the garlic and red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes.  Add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper and cherry tomatoes and a dash of salt and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetable begin to become tender.  
3. Remove the vegetables into a large bowl and set aside.  
4. Add another 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet.  
5. Add the ground beef, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, clove, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and sauté for 7-9 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked. Drain the fat from the ground beef.  
6. Return the ground beef to the skillet along with the vegetables. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and chickpeas and simmer for 2-3 minutes.  
7. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, parsley and feta cheese.  
8. Serve warm over basmati or jasmine rice.

Notes:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. Warm up leftovers in a hot skillet.  
• To freeze, place the cooled beef and vegetables in an airtight container or Ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to piping hot.

Safe Handling Tips:

• Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat. 
• Separate raw meat from other foods. 
• Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat. 
• Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods. 
• Wash all produce prior to use. 
• Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes. Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer. 
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. 

For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips. 

For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.