Mediterranean Ground Beef & Zucchini Skillet

🕒 Time

• Prep: 10–15 minutes

• Cook: 20 minutes

• Total: 30–35 minutes

🍽 Servings

Serves 4

🧾 Ingredients

🔹 Main

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85–90% lean)

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tbsp olive oil

🔹 Seasoning

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

🔹 Fresh Finish

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add ground beef.

3. Break it apart with a spatula.

4. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned.

5. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

6. Remove excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

1. Add sliced red onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Zucchini

1. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil if needed.

2. Stir in zucchini slices.

3. Cook 4–6 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy.

   • Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; zucchini should lightly brown.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

1. Add cherry tomatoes.

2. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still fresh.

   • You want them juicy, not fully collapsed.

Step 5: Finish

1. Remove from heat.

2. Stir in lemon juice.

3. Sprinkle feta cheese evenly over the top.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• Serve as-is for a low-carb meal

• Spoon over rice or quinoa

• Wrap in warm pita bread

• Serve with a side Greek salad

🔥 Flavor Variations

• Add olives for more Mediterranean flavor

• Swap beef for ground turkey or lamb

• Add spinach at the end for extra greens

• Top with tzatziki sauce

🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days

• Reheat gently in skillet

• Great for meal prep