Spicy Jalapeño Popper Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
A one-pan wonder combining creamy, spicy jalapeño popper flavors with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. This easy ground beef stir fry is ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Savory Base:
- 1 pound lean ground beef {450 grams}
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced {150 grams}
- 4-6 fresh jalapeño peppers sliced {50-75 grams}
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced {20 grams}
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika {2 grams}
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin {2 grams}
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano {1 gram}
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened {113 grams}
- ½ cup chicken or beef broth {120 ml}
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese {50 grams}
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese {25 grams}
- Juice of ½ a lemon
For the Fresh Finish:
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese {75 grams}
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced {50 grams}
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley {15 grams}
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill {5 grams}
- 1 medium tomato diced {150 grams}
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Beef & Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, 5-7 minutes. Push beef to the side. Add diced onion and sliced jalapeños to the empty space. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and spices (paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper). Stir everything together and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Push mixture to the side again, creating a well. Add softened cream cheese and broth to the well. Let cheese melt for a minute, then whisk into broth until smooth. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Combine & Add Cheese
- Stir beef and vegetable mixture into the creamy sauce until fully combined. Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, diced tomato, and fresh herbs (parsley and dill) just until distributed. Do not overmix.
Notes
Control the spice level by removing jalapeño seeds and ribs for mild, or leaving them in for spicy. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Serve over rice, quinoa, or with warm pita bread.