If you’re craving a vibrant dinner that pulls in all the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean, look no further than this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry. This colorful skillet dish brings together juicy ground beef, crisp-tender veggies, aromatic spices, and a pop of lemony finish. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table, easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight, and healthy to boot. Whether you serve it over rice or scoop it up with warm pita, this is one Mediterranean meal that truly ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a role in creating its delightful mosaic of tastes and textures. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip any of these kitchen stars:
- Ground Beef: The savory heart of the dish, lending richness and satisfying protein.
- Olive Oil: Classic Mediterranean foundation for sautéing everything to golden perfection.
- Red Onion: Adds mild sweetness and a lovely touch of color.
- Red Bell Pepper: For sweetness and crunch, with gorgeous flashes of color in every bite.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Brings mellow, sunshine-bright flavor to the party.
- Garlic: A punch of aromatic depth no Mediterranean skillet should be without.
- Zucchini: Balances everything with subtle flavor and tender texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their bursts of juiciness taste like pure summer.
- Dried Oregano: Invokes classic Greek and Italian flavor profiles—don’t hold back.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a whisper of heat that keeps things interesting.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The simple seasonings that let every ingredient shine.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy crumbles add that ultimate finishing touch.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the whole stir fry with fresh green color and herbal flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: Squeeze at the table for a burst of Mediterranean sunshine!
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it sizzle until fully browned and any excess moisture has cooked off—this gives the base of your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry its irresistible savory character. If there’s a lot of grease, drain a bit away, but keep enough for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Peppers, and Garlic
With the beef nicely browned, toss in your sliced red onion, both types of bell pepper, and minced garlic. The combination will fill your kitchen with the best Mediterranean aromas! Sauté everything for 3–4 minutes until just softened but still vibrant—those veggies should hold onto a bit of their crunch for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Next, it’s time to introduce the zucchini and those cheery cherry tomatoes, followed by oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season everything with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir and let the mixture cook for another 5–6 minutes, allowing the veggies to turn beautifully tender and the flavors to mingle and bloom together.
Step 4: Finish with Feta and Parsley
The skillet comes off the heat, but you’re not quite done yet! Sprinkle the stir fry with plenty of crumbled feta cheese and a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley. This is the crowning glory that makes your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry truly irresistible and ready for the table.
Step 5: Serve with Lemon Wedges
Plate up your stir fry while it’s hot and bright, and don’t forget the lemon wedges on the side. A quick squeeze over the top just before eating makes the flavors sing—they’ll transport you straight to a seaside taverna.
How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Garnishes
Scatter extra crumbled feta and freshly chopped parsley over the finished Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry to bring out its colors and flavors. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of sumac right before serving can add even more Mediterranean flair.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is delicious served over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or tender couscous to soak up every last bit of sauce. Warm pita or flatbread are perfect for scooping, and a crisp cucumber salad or simple Greek salad on the side will round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling inspired, pile the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry into halved bell peppers for a playful presentation, or stuff inside warm pita pockets with a dollop of tzatziki. You can also serve it family-style in a big dish for a festive, shareable meal—just don’t forget those lemon wedges for squeezing all around!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled stir fry in airtight containers or freezer bags (lay flat for easier thawing). It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just keep in mind the veggies may soften a touch upon reheating but will still taste fabulous.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stir fry again, reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. A splash of water or broth can help revive the sauciness. If using a microwave, reheat in bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and avoid overcooking the veggies.
FAQs
Can I use a different ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry shines with beef, but ground lamb or turkey work beautifully. Each brings its own subtle twist—lamb for extra richness, turkey for a lighter spin.
Is the dish spicy?
It has just a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat up or down to your liking. Omit the flakes for a mild version, or add more if you like a little kick!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you want a dairy-free version or just want to switch things up, try crumbled goat cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory finish. Even a little grated parmesan can work in a pinch!
Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is meal prep friendly. Simply cook as directed, allow to cool, then portion into containers for easy lunches or weeknight dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.
Are there more veggies I can add to this stir fry?
Definitely! Try tossing in spinach, artichoke hearts, or even some kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair. It’s a highly flexible recipe—use what you have and love.
Final Thoughts
Gather your favorite veggies and give this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry a try—you’ll be amazed by how much flavor and color you can pack into just one skillet. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, and I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your own kitchen very soon!
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Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines ground beef with a variety of colorful vegetables and Mediterranean spices. It’s a quick and easy stovetop meal perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in zucchini, cherry tomatoes, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over rice, couscous, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Substitute ground lamb or turkey for beef if desired.
- Add olives or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
