Say hello to your new go-to dinner: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry! This vibrant one-pan meal delivers on all fronts—it’s savory, colorful, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors. You get juicy ground beef mingling with crisp veggies, briny olives, and creamy feta, all finished with a zippy hint of lemon and fresh herbs. Not only is it a joy for your taste buds, but it’s also lightning-quick and friendly for weeknight chaos or next-day meal prepping. If you’re craving something hearty, healthy, and easy to pull together, this is the dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how much flavor comes from such a simple list of ingredients. Each one brings its own personality to the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry—whether it’s warmth, freshness, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential.
- Ground Beef: Rich and satisfying, ground beef is the heart of the dish, soaking up all the Mediterranean flavors.
- Olive Oil: The classic Mediterranean fat, olive oil adds silkiness and a hint of fruitiness—use the good stuff for best flavor.
- Red Onion: Brings sweetness and crunch, balancing out the savory beef.
- Garlic: Essential for that signature Mediterranean aroma and a depth of flavor in every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds gorgeous color and a juicy, slightly sweet crunch.
- Zucchini: Tender, fresh, and a perfect partner to the other veggies.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with flavor and create a juicy “sauce” as they cook.
- Kalamata Olives: Salty, briny, and deeply flavorful—these make the dish unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Dried Oregano: A must for that classic Mediterranean herbal note.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a subtle warmth and earthiness beneath the brighter flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your own taste.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives a gentle kick and savory depth.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity lifts and brightens every bite, making the dish sing.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty crumbles round out the dish and add irresistible richness.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a final fresh, herbal pop and gorgeous color.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle until browned and cooked through—about five to six minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it off so the dish stays light and fresh. This step gives the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry its meaty backbone.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss in the diced red onion and minced garlic, stirring them into the beef. Let them get soft and fragrant, just two to three minutes. This duo sends up those unmistakable Mediterranean aromas that promise pure comfort food ahead.
Step 3: Add Veggies
Next, in go the bell pepper and zucchini. Cook everything together, stirring often, for five to seven minutes. You’re looking for the veggies to be tender but still holding their shape, adding that signature stir fry crunch and color.
Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes, Olives, and Spices
Now for the tomatoes, olives, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let everything mingle in the pan for another two to three minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the spices to bloom. These flavors soak into the beef and veggies, infusing every bite with Mediterranean flair.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Feta
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the lemon juice for a fresh splash at the end. Sprinkle crumbled feta all over, letting it gently melt and create irresistible pockets of tangy creaminess. For a final touch, scatter with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like—then serve up the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry warm and enjoy the magic!
How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped parsley is the classic finish, adding a pop of green and bright herbaceous flavor. You could also add a few extra crumbs of feta or a squeeze of fresh lemon to take it over the top. For a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is lovely too.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry shines alongside simple grains like fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or tender couscous. For low-carb sides, try serving it over cauliflower rice or with a crisp green salad. Warm pita or flatbread also makes a perfect partner for scooping up every flavorful bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination play! Spoon the stir fry into roasted bell pepper halves for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or stuff it into pita pockets for a grab-and-go lunch. Layer it over a bed of baby spinach or arugula for a vibrant dinner salad, or serve tapas-style with hummus, olives, and other meze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic option for meal prep!
Freezing
For longer storage, spoon the cooled stir fry into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeezing out any excess air. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months—just leave off the fresh parsley and feta until you’re ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water if it needs loosening up. You can also microwave individual portions for a speedy lunch or dinner—just top with fresh herbs and feta before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this recipe. You may want to bump up the seasoning a bit or add an extra splash of olive oil, since they’re leaner than beef but absorb those Mediterranean spices just as well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your feta cheese and olives for any sneaky gluten-containing additives if you’re highly sensitive, and serve with a gluten-free side like quinoa or rice.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Prepare the stir fry completely, then divide into individual airtight containers. Store your garnishes like parsley and feta separately and sprinkle them on just before eating. This way, your meals stay as fresh and vibrant as possible throughout the week!
How do I make this dairy-free?
To make your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry dairy-free, simply leave out the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You’ll still get bold flavor from the veggies, olives, and spices—no dairy required!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This stir fry is delightfully flexible. Try adding eggplant, spinach, or artichoke hearts for a twist, or toss in chickpeas for extra protein and texture. Just aim for similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry! Whether it’s a quick weeknight supper or a meal prep hero, it brings bright, hearty flavors and serious comfort to the table. Give it a try, play around with the sides, and let it become a new staple in your kitchen!
Print
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired ground beef stir fry that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, this dish is bursting with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Stir in bell pepper and zucchini, and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Incorporate remaining ingredients: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Finish and serve: Stir in lemon juice, remove from heat, and sprinkle with crumbled feta. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm on its own or over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Notes
- To make this dish dairy-free, omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
