Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is my go-to when I need a fast yet truly satisfying dinner. It brings the bright, savory flavors of the Mediterranean together with easy vegetables and plenty of protein—all in under half an hour. I love that with fresh herbs and a little olive oil, it feels lighter than most skillet meals but still hits every comfort note I crave.

My family first requested this on a busy weeknight and now we keep extra bell peppers and zucchini on hand just to make it at the drop of a hat. Every time the colors hit the pan I know dinner will be bright and lively.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: Choose high quality grass fed beef for deepest flavor
• Two tablespoons olive oil: Use extra virgin for a rich Mediterranean base
• One onion finely chopped: Sweet yellow onions add depth
• Three cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic packs far more flavor than jarred
• One red bell pepper thinly sliced: Adds color crunch and sweetness
• One zucchini cut into half moons: Look for firm glossy zucchini for best texture
• One cup cherry tomatoes halved: Choose ripe cherry tomatoes with bright color
• One teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth
• One teaspoon paprika: Choose sweet or smoked depending on your preference
• Half teaspoon dried oregano: Mediterranean classic
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Fresh cracked gives best flavor
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat: Add if you like a little kick
• Quarter cup fresh parsley chopped: Use flat leaf for the freshest taste
• Half cup feta cheese crumbled optional for garnish: Use high quality feta for creamy tang
• Lemon wedges for serving: Adds brightness just before eating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant. Add finely chopped onion and cook slowly for about three minutes until translucent and soft but not browned. Stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle for half a minute just until you smell its sweetness.

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef to the pan breaking it into small pieces with your spoon. Sprinkle with cumin paprika oregano salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for seven to eight minutes stirring occasionally so that each piece browns evenly and no pink remains.

Cook the Vegetables:

Add sliced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Stir in gently so they begin to soften but still hold some vibrant crunch. Let them cook for about four minutes then add cherry tomatoes letting them heat through until just softened around two more minutes.

Finish and Serve:

Turn off the heat and fold in chopped parsley. If you love it creamy sprinkle with crumbled feta while everything is still warm so it melts a little. Serve right away with lemon wedges to squeeze over every bite.

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My favorite ingredient is the feta cheese folded in at the end. The way it melts against the heat of the beef and vegetables reminds me of family trips to the coast where every meal ended with a little salty cheese tucked in the middle of a steaming dish.

Storage Tips

This stir fry keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. I like to let it cool completely before transferring to glass storage containers. When reheating splash a bit of water into the pan and rewarm gently over medium low heat to prevent the beef from drying out. If you are adding feta wait until after reheating so it stays creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or lamb for the beef if you want a leaner or slightly different flavor. Any mix of bell peppers and summer squash works well and I sometimes toss in spinach right before serving. If you are out of fresh herbs a little extra dried oregano will boost the Mediterranean notes. Dairy free eaters can skip the feta or crumble over vegan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

I love this with warm pita or spooned over lemony rice for a more filling dinner. For a lighter meal try serving over crisp greens and finishing with extra lemon. It is also fantastic with a side of hummus or tzatziki for dipping each bite.

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Cultural Context

Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes bright vegetables lots of olive oil and fresh herbs. This dish is my riff on classic stir fries found all along the eastern Mediterranean coast especially in Greece and Turkey where ground meats are stretched with vegetables and served with warm bread.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the same Mediterranean seasonings.

→ What are good options for serving with this dish?

This stir fry pairs nicely with rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread. Tzatziki or hummus make great accompaniments.

→ Do I need to use feta cheese?

Feta cheese is optional. If you prefer, leave it out or use another crumbly cheese for extra flavor.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Try adding spinach, eggplant, or mushrooms along with the other vegetables for more variety and nutrition.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat. Adjust the quantity or omit them for a milder flavor.

→ Can this be made ahead?

Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and warm before serving.