Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean); 1 small red onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint; Juice of ½ lemon

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If you’re seeking a vibrant, veggie-packed meal that leaps from skillet to table in just half an hour, this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is an absolute winner. Brimming with aromatic spices, juicy ground beef, colorful vegetables, and finished with a flurry of fresh herbs and crumbly feta cheese, the dish feels like it transports you right to a sun-soaked patio on the Mediterranean coast. With each bite, the medley of flavors dances together—savory, tangy, and just a hint of heat—making it a perfect weeknight dinner you’ll want to revisit for both comfort and celebration.

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines because of its straightforward list of ingredients—each one essential, lending body, zest, color, or creaminess. Together, they bring out the best in every bite, transforming a familiar skillet routine into a Mediterranean celebration.

Olive oil: Sets the stage for all the flavors to come together with its fruity aroma and delicate richness.
Ground beef (85–90% lean): The heart of the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry, adding savory depth and protein.
Red onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and crunch; look for one that’s firm and bright.
Garlic: Just two cloves unlock that classic Mediterranean flavor and fragrant punch.
Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and natural sweetness—a gorgeous contrast to the beef.
Zucchini: Adds juicy, tender bites that soak up the spices beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes: They burst into the skillet with sweetness and just the right amount of tang.
Dried oregano: Infuses the dish with earthy, herbal notes distinctly Mediterranean.
Ground cumin: Brings warmth and subtle smokiness to round out the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick—add as much or as little as you’d like.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for waking up every other ingredient.
Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, salty and creamy, it’s simply irresistible.
Fresh parsley or mint: Adds unbeatable freshness and a beautiful finishing touch.
Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and ties all the flavors together at the end.

How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned all over and thoroughly cooked through. If there’s a lot of excess fat, feel free to drain most of it off, leaving just enough to keep everything juicy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics (Onion & Garlic)

Into the beefy goodness, toss in your diced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onions turn slightly translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This quick step releases a wave of Mediterranean aroma that’s downright irresistible.

Step 3: Stir in the Vegetables

Now, bring on the color! Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and those sweet cherry tomato halves. Stir everything up well to distribute the veggies and keep cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. You want the vegetables gently softened, but still with some bite and vivid color—this keeps the stir-fry lively and fresh.

Step 4: Season & Simmer

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), and season generously with salt and black pepper. Give it all a good mix and let the flavors mingle for another minute over the heat. You’ll start to notice the aroma deepen, and the juices will thicken just slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Feta, & Herbs

Take the skillet off the heat and immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice. Shower the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry with crumbled feta and a generous handful of chopped parsley or mint. This last layer of tang, creaminess, and freshness is what ties the whole dish together, making it bright and unforgettable.

How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Garnishes

A final flourish goes a long way here: sprinkle extra fresh herbs and a touch more feta cheese over each serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few lemon wedges or a light drizzle of quality olive oil brighten everything up even further.

Side Dishes

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry pairs well with a variety of sides: scoop it over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, light-as-air couscous, or with warm pita bread to sop up every last drop. For a low-carb twist, try it tucked into crisp lettuce wraps or served atop a bed of cauliflower rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not nestle the stir-fry inside halved bell peppers for a playful touch, or serve it on a big platter as part of a family-style spread with olives and hummus on the side? You can even scoop it into bowls and top with a runny fried egg for a hearty brunch spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extra Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry completely, then pack it up in airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a smart make-ahead lunch or dinner option that tastes just as good the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the stir-fry into freezer-safe containers without the feta and herbs (add those fresh when you reheat). It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen things up. For a quick fix, the microwave on medium power works too. Add the feta and herbs just before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully in this recipe. You’ll get a lighter skillet meal, but you’ll still enjoy those big Mediterranean flavors from the veggies, spices, and finishing touches.

Is this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you skip the pita or serve with gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa. It’s a great fit for many diets and super easy to adapt.

What other vegetables can I add?

Anything that cooks quickly and holds its shape works: think baby spinach, kale, eggplant, or even some artichoke hearts. It’s an excellent way to clean out the fridge and pack in even more nutrients.

How spicy is the dish?

With just a pinch of red pepper flakes, the heat is subtle and kid-friendly. If you love bolder spice, feel free to double the flakes or even add a fresh chopped chili.

Can I make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. Make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors seem to deepen as it sits.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add some quintessential sunshine to your dinner rotation, this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is an easy, joyful solution. Give it a try soon—it may become your new go-to when you want something delicious, fresh, and incredibly satisfying!

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef with a variety of colorful vegetables and Mediterranean spices. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean)
1 small red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint
Juice of ½ lemon

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté vegetables: Add the red onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Season and finish: Season with oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, feta cheese, and herbs.
Serve: Serve hot over rice, couscous, quinoa, or with warm pita bread.