Cookwith

Name: Mediterranean Beef & Vegetable Rice Skillet
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 small red onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Mediterranean Beef & Vegetable Rice Skillet

WholesomeCelery7477

This vibrant Mediterranean Beef & Vegetable Rice Skillet is inspired by flavor layering techniques—using lemon, herbs, and savory spices to bridge the hearty beef with colorful summer vegetables and fluffy rice. Each bite is balanced: bright and fresh from lemon and parsley, savory from cumin and oregano, and deeply satisfying thanks to the juicy ground beef. It’s a one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, capturing Mediterranean sunshine in Ontario’s clear, warm weather. Enjoy a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is quick, healthy, and full of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a plate and drain excess fat if necessary.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in zucchini and cook for 3 more minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
Add garlic, oregano, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute, letting it absorb the flavors.
Add 2 cups of water, cherry tomatoes, peas, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Return the browned beef to the skillet. Add lemon zest and juice, and gently toss everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.