Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful meal that’s packed with bold spices, tender vegetables, and juicy ground beef. It’s inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors like garlic, lemon, oregano, and olive oil—all tossed together in one skillet for a fast, nourishing dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this dish is to pull together, especially on busy weeknights. It’s full of protein and colorful veggies, and the seasoning gives it a warm, earthy flavor that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, meal prep–friendly, and incredibly flexible depending on what I have on hand.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
olive oil
red onion, thinly sliced
garlic, minced
zucchini, chopped
bell pepper (any color), chopped
grape tomatoes, halved
spinach or kale
lemon juice
dried oregano
ground cumin
salt and pepper
fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
optional: crumbled feta or kalamata olives for topping

directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. I cook until browned and crumbled, draining excess fat if needed.

2. I add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. I stir in the chopped zucchini and bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender but still crisp.

4. I add the grape tomatoes, spinach, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. I cook until the greens wilt and everything is well combined.

5. I finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and stir everything once more.

6. I serve hot, topped with fresh herbs, and optionally crumbled feta or olives for even more Mediterranean flair.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey or lamb instead of beef for a different spin. I’ve also added chickpeas or cooked quinoa to stretch the dish and make it even more filling. If I want a dairy-free version, I skip the feta and garnish with more herbs or a dollop of hummus. For extra heat, I add crushed red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in a skillet or microwave. I also use the leftovers in wraps, grain bowls, or salads throughout the week—it’s super versatile and holds up well.

FAQs

Can I make this low-carb?

Yes, I skip starchy add-ins like rice or chickpeas and load up on low-carb veggies like zucchini, spinach, and peppers.

What goes well with this dish?

I serve it over rice, couscous, or quinoa. It’s also great with pita or tucked into a wrap for a fast lunch.

Can I meal prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I cook everything and portion it out for the week. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight in the fridge.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, I let it cool completely, then freeze in individual containers. It reheats best in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

How do I make it vegetarian?

I replace the beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative and keep the same seasoning—it still turns out delicious.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is one of those recipes I turn to again and again for something quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s easy to adapt, packed with veggies, and comes together in one pan—just the way I like it. Whether I serve it on its own, with grains, or in a wrap, it always makes a satisfying meal.