This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and nutritious one-pan meal that features spiced ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a finish of bright lemon and creamy feta. With bold flavors and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or a healthy meal prep option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with protein and veggies
- Flavorful Mediterranean spices and fresh herbs
- One-pan meal means minimal cleanup
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for meal prep
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
- Delicious served in bowls, wraps, or salads
- Family-friendly and filling
- Easily scalable for larger servings
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ground beef
- olive oil
- onion, chopped
- garlic, minced
- red bell pepper, diced
- zucchini, chopped
- cherry tomatoes, halved
- ground cumin
- dried oregano
- paprika
- chili flakes (optional)
- salt and black pepper
- fresh lemon juice
- fresh parsley, chopped
- crumbled feta cheese
directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the veggies begin to soften.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Cook another few minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
- Serve topped with chopped parsley and crumbled feta.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Swap beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb
- Use spinach, mushrooms, or kale instead of zucchini
- Add artichokes, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes
- Serve over quinoa, rice, couscous, or in lettuce wraps
- Mix in a dollop of hummus or tzatziki
- Top with pine nuts or toasted almonds for crunch
storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Add fresh feta and herbs after reheating for best flavor
FAQs
What’s the best type of ground beef to use?
An 80/20 blend offers good flavor and moisture. Leaner blends work too—just be sure to drain excess fat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store in the fridge or freezer and reheat as needed.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild by default. Add chili flakes or fresh chili to increase the heat.
What are good serving options?
Serve over rice, quinoa, couscous, in wraps, or with a side of pita bread and hummus.
Can I omit the tomatoes?
Yes, you can replace them with tomato sauce or another vegetable.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free sides.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, thaw and drain them well before adding to avoid excess moisture.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in a sealed container.
Can I add legumes?
Yes, chickpeas or lentils would complement the flavors well.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful, and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich spices, vibrant vegetables, and creamy feta, it’s a satisfying dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served in a bowl, wrap, or salad, it’s a winning recipe every time.
Print
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté / Stir‑fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired ground beef stir-fry loaded with veggies, herbs, and bold spices—perfect for a healthy dinner served over rice or pita.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta, sliced olives, chopped mint
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 4–5 min.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon; cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 min.
- Stir in ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 min to toast spices.
- Mix in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3–4 min until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add diced zucchini; cook 4–5 min until tender but still crisp.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley (or cilantro) and lemon juice.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or in pita. Top with feta, olives, and mint if using.
Notes
- Use lean beef (85% or higher) to reduce excess grease.
- For a lighter twist, substitute ground turkey or lamb.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- Adjust heat with more or less red pepper flakes.
- Great for meal prep—store in airtight containers in the fridge up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (≈240 g)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg