Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Skillet

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 small red onion (Thinly sliced.)
• 1 small zucchini (Halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons.)
• 1 small red bell pepper (Cored and thinly sliced.)
• 2 garlic cloves (Minced.)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves (Finely chopped.)
• 2 tbsp fresh dill (Finely chopped; plus more for garnish.)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.5 cup crumbled feta (For serving; omit for dairy-free, Paleo, and Whole30 versions.)
• prepared brown rice or baby arugula (Optional, for serving. Use cauliflower rice or omit rice for Paleo and Whole30 versions.)

Steps

1. 1

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

2. 2

   Add the ground beef or lamb, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with the edge of a spoon, until it is cooked through and no longer pink, about 6 minutes.

3. 3

   Drain the cooked meat and set it aside, leaving a small amount of fat in the skillet to sauté the vegetables.

4. 4

   Decrease the heat to medium. Add the red onion, zucchini, and red bell pepper.

5. 5

   Cook the vegetables, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, and dill. Toss until well combined and the spices toast slightly, 1 to 2 minutes.

7. 7

   Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet and toss until it is well combined with the vegetables, herbs, and spices.

8. 8

   Stir in the lemon juice, then remove the skillet from the heat.

9. 9

   Ladle the skillet mixture into bowls over prepared brown rice or baby arugula, if desired.

10. 10

    Top with crumbled feta and additional dill for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ground lamb is recommended in the source as a flavorful alternative; ground chicken or turkey may also be used. For a vegetarian variation, omit the meat and add more vegetables such as eggplant and tomatoes. The source lists feta and rice or arugula as optional serving ingredients.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pan
• skillet
• quick dinner
• Mediterranean
• gluten-free
• dairy-free option
• Paleo option