Frugal Quick Mediterranean Ground Beef with Vegetables [Healthy and Hearty]
Frugal Quick Mediterranean Ground Beef with Vegetables layers punchy cumin and fresh herbs over bright veggies and hearty ground beef, balancing warmth and zest in every forkful. You get the aromatic rush of seared meat, bell peppers, and just enough spice to keep things interesting, whether you pile it on pillowy rice or fold it into pita. It’s weeknight-ready but still feels special, a low-cost staple with all the character of your favorite seaside bistro. Grab a bowl, and you’re on your way to simple comfort—no passport required.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop/Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup bell peppers, (I like to blend red, orange & green)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
Start by heating a good drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add your finely diced onion and bell peppers and cook it slowly, stirring often, until it becomes translucent and soft. Take your time here; the sweeter the onion gets, the better the base for the beef. (I do like the bell peppers to stay firm, so I remove before wilted.)
Toss in the minced garlic and give it just about 30 seconds.
Now, add the ground beef and break it up then let it brown nicely. You want little bits of crispy edges because that’s where the flavor lives.
Once the beef is mostly browned, stir in the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices are the soul of the dish — they’ll coat the beef and create this beautiful, fragrant mixture that feels like a warm hug.
Keep cooking until the beef is fully cooked and everything is combined.
Right at the end, stir in the fresh parsley. These herbs bring a burst of brightness that really lifts the whole dish.
Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top for a buttery crunch that adds a little extra magic with every bite.
Notes
You can easily swap ground beef for ground lamb if you want a richer, more traditional Mediterranean flavor. If you’re meal-prepping, this dish holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen.