Beef • 20 Min • Healthy
A vibrant, herb-packed Mediterranean Beef Skillet bursting with tomatoes, garlic, olives, and lean beef. This quick one-pan recipe delivers rich, sunny flavours in just 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, flatbread, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Beef & Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
Seasoning & Sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ⅓ cup water or low-sodium broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Finish
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
To Serve (Optional)
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Basmati rice or quinoa
- A side Greek salad
Step-by-Steps Instructions
1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Brown the beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook 5 minutes, breaking it apart until browned, and most liquid evaporates.
3. Season the mixture
Add oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything in warm, aromatic spices.
4. Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste, water (or broth), and lemon juice. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
5. Finish with Mediterranean flavors
Turn off heat. Add sliced olives, feta, and parsley. Fold gently to combine without melting the feta completely.
6. Serve
Spoon into bowls with pita, rice, or salad. Top with extra lemon or olives if desired.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment List
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for mixing liquids)
Notes & Substitutions
Protein swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Veggie swaps: Replace zucchini with spinach or mushrooms.
Feta-free option: Add a spoon of hummus on top.
More sauce: Add an extra ¼ cup broth for a saucier skillet.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 2 months (add fresh feta and parsley after reheating).
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Mediterranean flavor profile with simple ingredients
- One-pan dinner ready in 20 minutes
- High-protein, nutrient-packed meal
- Great for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize
You may also enjoy our 20 Min Spicy Korean Beef Bowl, try the 20 Min Greek Chicken Wrap, or go for a Hawaiian Chicken Bowl.