Oh my goodness, friends! Let me introduce you to the dinner recipe that’s about to become your new weeknight hero. This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is what happens when you combine the ease of a quick stir fry with the sunny, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day! The first time I made this for my family, there was this wonderful moment of silence followed by “Can we have this AGAIN tomorrow?” Trust me, this colorful dish is going to revolutionize your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes flat – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table ASAP!
- Packed with nutrition and flavor – colorful veggies and lean protein combine for a meal you can feel good about
- One-pan cleanup – because who has time to wash a sink full of dishes after dinner?
- Infinitely adaptable – easy to customize with whatever veggies are in your fridge or your family’s preferences
Ingredients
The Protein Base:
- Lean ground beef – The star of our show, providing hearty protein and savory flavor.
The Mediterranean Veggies:
- Red bell pepper – Adds sweet flavor and beautiful color.
- Zucchini – Tender, mild, and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Red onion – Provides a beautiful purple hue and slightly sweeter flavor than yellow onions.
- Cherry tomatoes – Burst in your mouth with juicy sweetness.
- Fresh spinach – Wilts down perfectly and adds nutrition and lovely green color.
The Aromatic Flavor Builders:
- Garlic – Because everything Mediterranean deserves plenty of garlic!
- Olive oil – The foundation of Mediterranean cooking, adding that distinctive fruity flavor.
The Mediterranean Seasonings:
- Dried oregano – The quintessential Greek herb that defines Mediterranean flavor.
- Ground cumin – For a subtle earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with the beef.
- Dried rosemary – Adds a wonderful piney, aromatic note.
- Red pepper flakes – For just a touch of heat that wakes up all the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper – The basics that make everything shine.
The Bright Finishers:
- Fresh lemon juice – That zippy citrus brightens everything and brings the flavors to life.
- Crumbled feta cheese – Adds creamy, salty tanginess that completes the Mediterranean experience.
- Kalamata olives – For that distinctive briny punch of flavor.
- Fresh herbs – Parsley, mint, or dill – pick your favorite for a burst of green freshness!
The full ingredient list with measurements will be available in the recipe card below.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Prep Your Ingredients:
- Dice the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the zucchini into quarter-moon slices, about ¼-inch thick.
- Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Pit and roughly chop the Kalamata olives.
- Chop your fresh herbs.
- Measure out all your dried spices into a small bowl so they’re ready to go.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and hot.
- Add the ground beef to the hot pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan with the beef drippings, add another small drizzle of olive oil if needed.
- Add the red onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Toss in the diced bell pepper and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to soften but still has some bite.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to let it burn!
Season and Bring It Together:
- Sprinkle the dried oregano, cumin, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in those aromatic spices.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and stir to combine with the seasoned vegetables.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for just 2 minutes, until they start to soften but don’t completely break down.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it just wilts, about 1 minute.
- Remove the pan from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything, stirring to incorporate all those bright flavors.
Serve It Up:
- Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately while all those colors are vibrant and the feta is just starting to get soft from the heat.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overcook the vegetables – The beauty of this dish is in the different textures. You want your veggies tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Use a large enough pan – Overcrowding the pan will steam the vegetables rather than giving them that nice sauté. If needed, cook in batches.
- Add the garlic later in the cooking process – This prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
- For a deeper flavor, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained) instead of fresh cherry tomatoes.
- Pat your ground beef dry with paper towels before adding it to the pan for better browning and less steaming.
How to Serve
This vibrant stir fry is a meal in itself, but there are plenty of ways to serve it depending on your hunger level and preferences!
For a light meal, enjoy it just as is, topped with feta, olives, and herbs. The protein and vegetables make it completely satisfying on its own.
To make it a heartier meal, serve it over warm cooked couscous, which cooks in just 5 minutes, or fluffy quinoa for some extra protein. Rice or orzo pasta are lovely options too!
For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of warm pita bread for scooping up all those delicious bits.
Complete your Mediterranean feast with a simple Greek salad on the side, or start with a small bowl of avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken soup) for a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead:
This stir fry is perfect for meal prep! You can chop all the vegetables up to 3 days ahead and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The ground beef can be cooked a day ahead as well. When ready to serve, quickly sauté the vegetables, add the pre-cooked beef, and finish with the fresh toppings.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they meld together!
- Freezer: While you can freeze this dish, the vegetables will soften considerably upon thawing. If planning to freeze, slightly undercook the vegetables. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until just warmed through, about 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
For either method, I recommend adding fresh toppings (feta, herbs, olives) after reheating for the best flavor and presentation.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Since these meats are leaner than beef, I recommend adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to prevent them from drying out. Ground lamb would also be a delicious choice that’s very traditional in Mediterranean cooking – it adds a wonderful richness and pairs perfectly with the herbs and spices in this recipe. Whatever protein you choose, just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it back in with the vegetables.
I don’t have all the Mediterranean herbs and spices. Is there a shortcut?
Yes! If you don’t have all the individual spices on hand, you can substitute 2-3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning mix (which usually contains oregano, rosemary, and other Mediterranean herbs) plus ½ teaspoon of cumin. Another great option is to use Greek seasoning blend, which you can find in most grocery stores. In a pinch, even a teaspoon of Za’atar spice blend would work beautifully and add authentic Mediterranean flavor. Just remember to taste and adjust the salt as these blends contain varying amounts of salt already.
How can I make this dish vegetarian but still hearty?
This stir fry converts wonderfully to a vegetarian meal! Simply replace the ground beef with a 15-ounce can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), which are a Mediterranean staple. For a “meatier” texture, you could use crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Another delicious option is to add 8 ounces of crumbled firm tofu or 1½ cups of cooked lentils. To ensure the dish is still packed with flavor, you might want to add an extra clove of garlic and perhaps a teaspoon of smoked paprika, which adds a wonderful depth that complements the Mediterranean spices.
My family doesn’t like feta cheese. What can I use instead?
While feta is traditional in Mediterranean cooking, there are several alternatives that would work well in this dish. Goat cheese provides a similar tangy creaminess but with a milder flavor that some people prefer. If you want something less tangy altogether, try fresh mozzarella pearls, which will melt slightly when added to the warm stir fry. For those who avoid dairy, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, or try some dairy-free feta alternatives which are becoming more widely available. You could also simply increase the olives for that salty kick and add a drizzle of good quality olive oil for richness.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 zucchini cut into quarter moons
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs parsley, mint, or dill
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Transfer beef to a plate with a slotted spoon.
- In the same pan, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté red onion for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Then add zucchini and sauté for 2-3 more minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in oregano, cumin, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat vegetables evenly.
- Return cooked ground beef to the pan and mix with the veggies. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice, then garnish with crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.