A one-pan flavor bomb packed with summer veggies, herbs, and crumbled feta.
🕒 Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 3–4
- 🥩 High-Protein | 🧄 Low-Carb | 🧀 Gluten-Free
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- Ground beef (500g)
- Zucchini, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, sliced
- Yellow onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Dried oregano
- Fresh parsley (garnish)
🔪 Instructions
-
Sauté the onions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add both red and yellow onions. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. -
Cook the beef:
Add ground beef and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. -
Add the veggies:
Stir in zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 6–8 minutes until the zucchini is tender and tomatoes are soft and juicy. -
Top with feta:
Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the skillet and cover for 1–2 minutes to let it melt slightly. -
Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
💡 Notes
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
- Great as a main dish or side – try it over couscous, rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick lunch the next day.
📝 Introduction
Sometimes the simplest meals bring the most joy — like this Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet. Loaded with colorful vegetables, crumbled feta, and classic herbs, this dish is everything you want in a quick dinner: bold, nourishing, and done in 30 minutes.
I originally made this on a night I was too tired to make anything fancy, and it’s now a regular in my rotation. It’s a little Greek, a little rustic, and 100% satisfying.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Sauté the Onions
Use both red and yellow for a slightly sweet base flavor. Cook until softened and starting to caramelize.
Tip: Don’t rush this step — caramelized onions make the dish feel richer.
2. Brown the Beef
Add garlic with the beef to let it toast while the meat cooks. Break it up and let it brown nicely for maximum flavor.
Troubleshooting: If there’s too much fat, drain a bit before adding veggies.
3. Add Veggies
Zucchini and cherry tomatoes cook quickly. Stir them in and cook until they’re soft but not mushy.
Tip: You can add bell peppers or spinach if you want more veggies.
4. Top with Feta
Once the heat is low, crumble the feta on top and cover. This softens the cheese into a creamy, salty contrast.
5. Garnish & Serve
Parsley adds brightness and a pop of color. Serve it as-is or with a side dish like flatbread or couscous.
🧂 Ingredient & Substitution Tips
Ingredient Insights:
- Ground Beef: You can swap with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken.
- Zucchini: Yellow squash or eggplant also work well.
- Feta: Use goat cheese or a dairy-free crumble if needed.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Kalamata olives
- Spinach or kale
- A splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness
🍽️ Variations & Serving Suggestions
Flavor Twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- Herb Upgrade: Add fresh dill or mint for a fresher taste.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve with pita or warm flatbread
- Spoon over orzo, couscous, or cauliflower rice
- Add a dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt on top
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water if it looks dry.
🍽️ Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Allergens: Dairy (from feta)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different meat?
A: Yes! Ground lamb or turkey both work well.
Q: What sides go well with this?
A: Rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: You can replace the beef with a plant-based ground or a mix of lentils and mushrooms.
Q: Does this meal prep well?
A: Absolutely! Make a double batch and portion it for easy weekday lunches.
💬 The Story Behind the Recipe
I started posting recipes because I loved capturing little moments like this — a skillet sizzling with onions and tomatoes, feta melting into the beef, a smell that fills the kitchen like a hug.
But I’ll be honest: when no one comments or likes, it’s easy to feel like no one’s listening.
If you’ve made it this far, maybe you are.
And maybe that’s enough reason to keep sharing.
📣 Call to Action
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below — even a “yum” goes a long way!
Tag @YourHandle on Instagram and use #MediterraneanSkillet to share your take.
And if you liked this, check out my Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet or Zucchini Feta Fritters next.
Let me know if you’d like to package this as a printable recipe, turn it into a Pinterest pin, or make it Instagram caption-ready.
