I just discovered this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry and I’m totally obsessed – it’s like all my favorite Greek flavors decided to have a party in one pan!
I was getting so bored with the same old stir fry routine and wanted something with more personality, so I started throwing in olives, feta, and all these amazing Mediterranean herbs I had sitting in my spice cabinet.
The whole thing comes together in like 20 minutes, but it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Greek restaurant, and the way those flavors blend with the perfectly seasoned ground beef is just incredible!
I made it twice this week already and I’m pretty sure it’s going to become my new go-to weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry brings exciting new flavors to your weeknight dinner rotation with ingredients like tangy feta, briny olives, and fresh herbs that transform ordinary ground beef into something special!
It’s incredibly quick and easy – everything cooks in one pan in under 30 minutes, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering restaurant-quality taste.
You’ll love how healthy and satisfying it is with plenty of colorful vegetables and lean protein, plus it’s naturally low-carb if you’re watching what you eat.
The Mediterranean flavors are so bold and delicious that even picky eaters will be asking for seconds, and it reheats beautifully for easy meal prep lunches throughout the week!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous (for serving)
Pro Tips
- Use lean beef. It gives you great flavor without excess grease.
- Don’t overcook the veggies. Keep them crisp for the best texture.
- Toast the spices. Add them early so they bloom and flavor the oil.
- Add greens. Toss in spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
- Finish with lemon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl (optional, for prepping veggies)
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef with lamb, chicken, or turkey.
- Cheese: Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier finish.
- Veggies: Add eggplant, spinach, or artichokes for more Mediterranean flair.
- Spices: Try adding za’atar or sumac for extra depth.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Veggie prep: Chop all vegetables up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Beef prep: Cook the seasoned beef and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat and toss with fresh veggies before serving.
- Freezer-friendly: Cook the beef mixture without veggies, freeze in portions, then add fresh veggies when reheating for the best texture.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Cook the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add the aromatics
Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cinnamon. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir fry the veggies
Add onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Finish and garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous for a hearty bowl.
- Wrap in warm pita bread with tzatziki for a handheld meal.
- Pair with a Greek salad for a fresh side.
- Add roasted potatoes or hummus for a Mediterranean feast.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the beef (without veggies) for up to 2 months. Add fresh veggies when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Benefits
This dish is packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the colorful vegetables.
Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, while spices like cumin and paprika add antioxidants and depth.
Adding feta gives calcium and richness without needing heavy sauces. It’s balanced, satisfying, and nourishing all in one pan.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?Â
Yes—lamb gives it an even more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
2. How do I make this vegetarian?Â
Swap the beef for chickpeas or lentils and keep the same spices.
3. Do I need a wok?Â
No—a large skillet works perfectly for stir fry.
4. Can I add grains directly into the skillet?Â
Yes—stir in cooked quinoa or rice at the end for a one-pan meal.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?Â
Absolutely—the mild spices are flavorful but not too spicy for kids.
6. Can I double the recipe?Â
Yes, just use a bigger skillet or cook in batches.
7. Can I meal prep this?Â
It’s perfect for meal prep—just store portions with grains for grab-and-go lunches.
Flavorful, Fast, and Family-Friendly
This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—quick to make, loaded with fresh veggies, and full of bold flavors.
It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down.
Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into pita, or enjoy it straight from the skillet, it’s a recipe that’ll become a weeknight favorite in your home just like it did in mine.