Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean works best for flavor and moisture)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional substitution: Swap ground beef for ground lamb or turkey for a different twist
- Optional substitution: Use green olives if Kalamata aren’t available
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. I like to leave a bit of fat in the pan to keep the dish juicy and flavorful, just like my grandmother used to do.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel if there’s too much grease.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the sliced red onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened but still vibrant. The smell of onions and peppers cooking always reminds me of cozy Sunday afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir-fry and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This final lemony brightness is what brings the whole dish alive—it’s like the secret handshake of Mediterranean cooking.
- Give everything one last gentle stir and serve immediately. I love to watch my family’s faces light up at the table when this dish comes out—there’s nothing like sharing a meal that feels both simple and special.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International