🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño Popper Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
📝 Introduction
This stir-fry combines the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeño poppers with the vibrant freshness of Mediterranean cuisine. Think sautéed ground beef with garlic, onion, and chopped jalapeños tossed with cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, herbs, and a sprinkle of melty cheese. It’s a one-pan dish that’s protein-packed, satisfying, and on the table in 30 minutes or less.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Serves: 4
🛒 Ingredients
Base:
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
Add-ins:
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Popper Twist:
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
Optional: 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (for creamier texture)
Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Extra jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
👨🍳 Method
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add olive oil if needed, then sauté onion and jalapeños until softened (3–4 minutes).
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up as it browns.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink.
Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
3. Stir in Mediterranean Goodness:
Add cherry tomatoes and olives. Sauté for 2 minutes until tomatoes start to soften.
Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and creamy.
4. Make It Melty:
Sprinkle mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) and feta into the pan.
Let the cheese melt slightly, stirring gently until everything is well combined.
Optional: Stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Top with chopped herbs and jalapeño slices.
Serve hot over rice, quinoa, couscous, or in lettuce cups or warm pita bread.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
Add a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus
Wrap in flatbread or pita for a Mediterranean fusion wrap
Top with a fried egg for a high-protein breakfast bowl
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mozzarella. Skip the feta or use a plant-based version.
Q: Too spicy?
A: Remove seeds from the jalapeños or reduce the number used. Add more cream cheese to mellow the heat.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
A: Absolutely — both work great with the same seasoning and cheese mix.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg