Description
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a zesty and savory dish combining ground beef with bold Mediterranean flavors and a spicy jalapeño kick. With creamy cheese, tangy olives, and a burst of fresh herbs, this dish is an exciting twist on the classic stir fry.
Ingredients
For the stir fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crumbled feta (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
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Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Add the vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeños to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Then add the red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Incorporate the Mediterranean flavors: Stir in the sliced green olives, cream cheese, and crumbled feta cheese. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
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Season the stir fry: Sprinkle in the oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until the spices are well-distributed and the mixture is flavorful. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve: Once everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the stir fry immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, additional crumbled feta (if desired), and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.
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Enjoy: Serve this stir fry on its own or with your favorite side, such as rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a bit more cream cheese or even some heavy cream.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of jalapeños or omit the seeds.
- You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg