The Mediterranean diet is known for its vibrant flavors, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients. And when you combine all of those qualities with the quick convenience of a stir fry, you get a truly satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a fun family gathering. This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a great option for anyone who’s craving something that feels light yet indulgent, with a satisfying blend of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
But let me tell you a little secret: this recipe was born out of my desire to create a healthier, easier, and faster version of my favorite Mediterranean dishes. There’s something about the richness of ground beef, paired with the crunch of veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, that makes this meal irresistible. Plus, the burst of freshness from the Kalamata olives and feta cheese really takes it over the top. It’s one of those dishes that feels special, yet comes together in no time at all. I can already imagine the delicious smell filling the kitchen as it simmers away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, let’s talk about the flavor. There’s just something magical about the combination of savory ground beef and Mediterranean spices like oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. The richness of the beef soaks up the spices, while the vegetables offer a fresh contrast. Plus, the crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty kick that’s just heavenly.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, paired with rice or couscous, or even wrapped up in pita bread for a Mediterranean-style sandwich. It’s perfect for anyone following a Mediterranean-inspired or low-carb diet. And for those looking for more color and nutrition, adding in extra veggies or a side salad is a great way to make the meal even more vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
Preparation
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You might need to drain any excess fat, depending on the type of ground beef you use.
Step 2: While the beef is cooking, slice your vegetables. Slice the red onion, zucchini, and bell pepper into thin strips, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the Kalamata olives and set everything aside so you can easily toss them in later.
Step 3: Once the beef is browned and cooked, push it to one side of the skillet and add the sliced red onion. Cook the onion for about 2-3 minutes, until it begins to soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic it can become bitter quickly!
Step 5: Next, add the sliced zucchini and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. The zucchini should soften, and the bell pepper should maintain some crunch.
Step 6: Add the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the skillet, then season with the dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are well-distributed. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release some juice.
Step 7: Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the stir fry, and toss everything again. This adds a nice tang that brightens up the flavors.
Step 8: To finish, sprinkle the stir fry with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. You can either mix it all together or leave the feta and parsley on top for a more beautiful presentation.
How to Serve
Now that your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is all ready, it’s time to serve it up in style. Here are a few ideas that’ll make this dish even more delicious:
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With a Side of Rice or Couscous
This stir fry pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or couscous. Both of these options will absorb all the wonderful juices from the beef and vegetables, adding a nice balance to the meal. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try quinoa for an extra dose of protein and fiber. -
Stuffed in Pita or Wraps
If you’re in the mood for a more handheld meal, serve the stir fry wrapped in a warm pita bread or your favorite wrap. Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing touch, or a drizzle of hummus for an extra Mediterranean flair. -
On a Bed of Greens
For a lighter option, serve the stir fry on a bed of mixed greens. You can even make it a Mediterranean salad by adding cucumber slices, Kalamata olives, and a few extra crumbles of feta. A quick drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar can act as a refreshing dressing to tie everything together. -
With Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking to bulk up the meal with even more veggies, serve the stir fry alongside roasted vegetables like eggplant, sweet potatoes, or carrots. The smoky flavors from roasting will complement the Mediterranean seasonings in the stir fry.
Recipe Tips:
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Use Lean Ground Beef
Since ground beef can vary in fat content, it’s best to use lean ground beef (like 90% lean) to keep the dish from being too greasy. If you use fattier ground beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after cooking the meat to avoid a heavy texture. -
Customize the Vegetables
Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. For example, you could use yellow squash in place of zucchini, or swap bell peppers for cherry peppers. The more colorful, the better! -
Make it Spicy
If you prefer a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or even some diced chili peppers to the stir fry. This will give it a zesty kick that complements the smoky paprika and cumin beautifully. -
Meal Prep Friendly
This dish is great for meal prep! Simply store the stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave and enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. -
Feta Cheese
If you’re not a fan of feta cheese or prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta salata. Both are excellent alternatives that still bring a creamy, salty element to the dish.
Cooking Notes:
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers should still have a bit of crunch when they’re done. If they’re too soft, they’ll lose their fresh, vibrant texture and flavor.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in this recipe. Bottled lemon juice tends to taste a bit flat, while freshly squeezed lemon juice will add a bright, zesty flavor that really enhances the entire dish.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to suit your taste. Some people prefer a more robust flavor, while others might like a lighter touch. Start with the measurements listed and tweak from there.
- Don’t Skip the Feta: While it might be tempting to leave out the feta, don’t! It adds a rich, creamy element that really ties everything together and balances the savory flavors of the beef and olives.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
FAQs:
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Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Yes! If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb would work beautifully in this Mediterranean stir fry. You could also use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this stir fry is a great option for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy it for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving. -
Can I freeze the stir fry for later?
While you can freeze the stir fry, I recommend freezing the beef and vegetable mixture separately from the feta. The feta may lose its texture and flavor when frozen. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in a skillet. -
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like spice, try adding more red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili peppers to the stir fry. A drizzle of harissa or hot sauce could also be a great way to add a spicy kick. -
What can I serve with this Mediterranean stir fry?
This stir fry is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking for sides, try serving it with rice, couscous, quinoa, or a Mediterranean salad. It would also pair well with a refreshing yogurt-based sauce like tzatziki.
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a perfect example of how easy it can be to incorporate vibrant, fresh flavors into your weeknight meals. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp veggies, tangy olives, and creamy feta creates a dish that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you enjoy it over rice, tucked into a pita, or served as-is, this stir fry offers a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and get cooking! I promise this flavorful stir fry will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below I’d love to hear how you made this dish your own! And while you’re here, be sure to explore some of my other Mediterranean-inspired recipes for more culinary inspiration.
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Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You might need to drain any excess fat, depending on the type of ground beef you use.
Step 2: While the beef is cooking, slice your vegetables. Slice the red onion, zucchini, and bell pepper into thin strips, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the Kalamata olives and set everything aside so you can easily toss them in later.
Step 3: Once the beef is browned and cooked, push it to one side of the skillet and add the sliced red onion. Cook the onion for about 2-3 minutes, until it begins to soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic it can become bitter quickly!
Step 5: Next, add the sliced zucchini and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. The zucchini should soften, and the bell pepper should maintain some crunch.
Step 6: Add the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the skillet, then season with the dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are well-distributed. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release some juice.
Step 7: Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the stir fry, and toss everything again. This adds a nice tang that brightens up the flavors.
Step 8: To finish, sprinkle the stir fry with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. You can either mix it all together or leave the feta and parsley on top for a more beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers should still have a bit of crunch when they’re done. If they’re too soft, they’ll lose their fresh, vibrant texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 25