Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small red onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 zucchini, halved and sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with the bright, bold flavors of this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry! It’s a quick and healthy main course that brings together lean ground beef, crisp veggies, fragrant herbs, and a tangy finish, all in just 25 minutes. Every forkful is colorful and deeply satisfying, with Mediterranean spices dancing over juicy tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, and creamy feta. Whether you’re craving something fresh for a weeknight dinner or looking to add more global flair to your family meals, this stir fry is destined to be a new favorite.

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the name of the game here, but every ingredient pulls its own delicious weight. Each one brings a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color that makes Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry truly irresistible.

Lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-rich foundation of our stir fry—choose 93% lean for a lighter dish.
Olive oil: Extra-virgin is best for that signature Mediterranean depth and richness.
Red onion: Adds a sweet, savory base and vibrant color contrast.
Garlic: Three cloves for a punch of bold, aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
Red bell pepper: Sweet, crisp, and loaded with vitamin C; it brings brilliance and crunch.
Zucchini: Mildly sweet and soaks up flavors beautifully while providing tender texture.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy little bursts of acidity and color that balance the richness of beef.
Dried oregano: A signature Mediterranean herb that brings earthy warmth.
Ground cumin: Adds subtle smokiness and complexity to the mix.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat—totally up to you!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for drawing out all those natural flavors.
Fresh lemon juice: Don’t skip this—lemon wakes up every flavor on your plate!
Chopped fresh parsley: For color, freshness, and that final herbaceous flourish.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds a creamy, tangy finish that’s completely irresistible.

How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced red onion and cook for a couple of minutes until softened. Add the garlic next and let it release all those wonderful aromas—just 30 seconds is all it needs. This simple step lays down a flavorful base for the entire Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Now, add the lean ground beef. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. After about 6–8 minutes, the beef will be beautifully browned and fully cooked. If there’s any extra grease in the pan, drain it off to keep things light and vibrant.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

With your beef sizzling, stir in the red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring now and then. You want the vegetables to turn tender while keeping their gorgeous, fresh color and subtle crunch. This mix is what makes Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry both nutritious and so visually appealing.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground cumin, and (if you like a little spice) the red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper, then give everything a final stir. Remove your skillet from the heat and brighten it up with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. For a creamy, tangy topping, sprinkle over the crumbled feta if you’re using it. Now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Garnishes

Nothing adds the finishing flair quite like a handful of fresh parsley and a final squeeze of lemon juice. If you want even more Mediterranean drama, scatter some extra crumbled feta or a few sliced Kalamata olives over the top. The pops of flavor and color make every serving special.

Side Dishes

This is a dish that plays well with so many sides! Try spooning Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry over fluffy white rice, nutty couscous, or with warm slices of pita bread. For something lighter, serve it in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb but satisfying. A simple Greek salad or a scoop of hummus would be absolutely divine alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow your family or guests? Pile the stir fry into roasted bell pepper halves, or wrap it up in soft pita for a hearty, hand-held meal. It also makes a brilliant filling for meal-prep bowls—just layer it with grains, greens, and extra veggies for a balanced grab-and-go lunch featuring all the flavors of Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic meal prep option you’ll look forward to eating again.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let the stir fry cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Just keep in mind that the veggies may lose a little texture after thawing, but the flavors will still be wonderful.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to keep everything evenly heated. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of water or squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground chicken make excellent, lighter substitutes for beef in this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner meats can cook a little faster.

How spicy is Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry?

The level of spice is totally up to you. The recipe includes a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat, but feel free to leave them out or add more if you love things spicy.

What’s the best way to make this dairy-free?

Simply skip the feta cheese at the end! You’ll still get plenty of bold flavor from the herbs, lemon, and veggies, and the dish remains satisfying as ever.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Throw in a handful of spinach at the end, stir in some chopped artichoke hearts, or add sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables. Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is incredibly flexible.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the stir fry itself is completely gluten-free. Just choose gluten-free sides like rice, cauliflower rice, or certified gluten-free pita to keep the entire meal suitable for gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

I can’t help but smile every time I serve this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry—the colors, the aromas, and the flavors all come together in pure harmony. Whether you’re feeding family or meal prepping for your week, it’s a dish that feels comforting and special at the same time. Give it a try, and let your kitchen be filled with a touch of Mediterranean sunshine!

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful and quick dish that combines lean ground beef with vibrant vegetables, herbs, and feta cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Stir Fry:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small red onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, halved and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
Add garlic and beef: Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned.
Cook vegetables: Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tender.
Season: Add oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
Serve: Top with feta cheese before serving if desired.