🌿🥩 A Fragrant, One-Pan Wonder with Bold Flavors!
This hearty skillet dish combines spiced ground beef, chickpeas, and vibrant veggies in a rich tomato sauce, topped with feta and fresh herbs. Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal bursting with Mediterranean flair!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-pan ease – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
✅ Warm spices – Cumin, cinnamon, and coriander create depth
✅ Protein-packed – Beef + chickpeas = double the satisfaction
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day
📋 Ingredients
Produce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ½ red + ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Green onions + parsley, chopped (garnish)
Protein
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20)
- 425g (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
Dairy & Pantry
- 75g (½ cup) feta, crumbled
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp each: dried oregano, ground coriander, cumin
- ½ tsp each: cinnamon, allspice, ground clove
- ¼ tsp each: crushed red pepper, cayenne (optional)
- 240ml (1 cup) tomato sauce
- 425g (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics & Veggies
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook garlic + onion for 2–3 mins until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and a pinch of salt. Sauté 4–5 mins until softened. Transfer to a bowl.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add ground beef + all spices.
- Cook 7–9 mins, breaking up meat, until browned. Drain excess fat.
3️⃣ Simmer the Sauce
- Return veggies to the skillet with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas.
- Simmer 2–3 mins to blend flavors.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Top with feta, green onions, and parsley.
- Serve with rice, pita, or couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
🔹 Spice control – Omit cayenne for mild heat.
🔹 Extra veggies – Add eggplant or spinach.
🔹 Shortcut – Use pre-chopped frozen bell peppers.
🔹 Storage – Fridge 4 days or freeze 3 months.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
✨ Perfect with:
- Lemon-herb rice
- Warm pita bread
- Greek yogurt for cooling contrast
🎉 Great for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal-prep lunches
- Potluck mains
🌿 Variations
- Lamb version – Swap beef for ground lamb
- Vegetarian – Use lentils + mushrooms
- Turkish twist – Add 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving, Without Rice)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 20g
🍲 Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Skillet is a flavor explosion—savory, slightly sweet, and herbaceous. The feta adds a creamy tang, while the spices transport you to the Aegean coast!
Chef’s secret: For extra brightness, stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest before serving.
Tag your creations #MediterraneanSkillet! 📸🌿
Want to make it low-carb? Serve over roasted cauliflower rice! 🥦
