Mediterranean Diet Savory Ground Meat in Tomato Herb Sauce

Savor the bold, authentic flavors of the Mediterranean Diet with this Savory Ground Meat in Tomato Herb Sauce, a wholesome recipe that combines simplicity with sophistication. Featuring tender ground beef or lamb simmered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce, this dish is elevated with the addition of aromatic cumin, briny kalamata olives, and a finishing touch of creamy crumbled feta cheese. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a 30-minute cook time, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering restaurant-quality flavor. Serve it on its own or over steamed vegetables or whole-grain pasta for a nutritious and satisfying dish that's high in protein and bursting with Mediterranean flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 500 grams ground beef or lamb
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 50 grams, sliced kalamata olives
• 100 grams, crumbled feta cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until browned, about 7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red bell pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 5

Add the oregano, thyme, and cumin. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 7

Add the sliced kalamata olives to the mixture and stir to distribute evenly.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 9

Serve warm either on its own or over a bed of steamed vegetables or whole-grain pasta for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1331.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2113.6

Total Fat 164.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 489mg	0%
Sodium 3848.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 54.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.7g
Protein 108.1g	0%

Vitamin D 16IU	0%
Calcium 833.6mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 3330.5mg	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: 69.6%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 10.2%