Mediterranean Diet Hearty Beef Casserole

Savor the wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty beef casserole, a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. Made with lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, and a medley of Mediterranean staples like extra virgin olive oil, black olives, and creamy feta cheese, this recipe is a healthy spin on classic comfort food. Simmered in a rich tomato base infused with oregano and thyme, then baked to perfection, the casserole boasts layers of robust flavors that the whole family will love. Ready in just 80 minutes, this Mediterranean Diet-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a make-ahead option for busy days. Serve it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium bell peppers (red and yellow)
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 medium zucchini
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 milliliters low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 50 grams black olives
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 100 grams feta cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Chop the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Add the zucchini to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, ensuring all vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Return the beef to the skillet and add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the black olives.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to a large oven-safe casserole dish. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven. Crumble the feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2027.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1791.5

Total Fat 105.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 406.8mg	0%
Sodium 6771.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 48.9g
Protein 132.3g	0%

Vitamin D 16IU	0%
Calcium 814.5mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 2673.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.6%

Protein: 29.3%

Carbs: 18.1%