Name: Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced; 1 zucchini or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped (optional); 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, fresh parsley; Optional: cooked rice, quinoa, couscous, or pita bread for serving

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Easy Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together seasoned beef, vibrant veggies, and bold spices—all cooked in one skillet. It’s healthy, satisfying, and packed with ingredients I always have on hand. Whether I serve it over rice, quinoa, or in a pita, this stir fry always comes through with big flavor and minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flexible, and full of Mediterranean-inspired goodness. With garlic, oregano, fresh veggies, and lean ground beef, it’s a balanced meal I can whip up in under 30 minutes. It’s also easy to customize—great for using up whatever I have in the fridge, and it works well for meal prep or leftovers. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made low-carb, depending on how I serve it. Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

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

Ground beef (lean)
Olive oil
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Bell peppers (any color, sliced)
Zucchini or cherry tomatoes (optional, chopped)
Spinach or kale (fresh, chopped)
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Paprika or smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Lemon juice
Optional: crumbled feta cheese, olives, fresh parsley, cooked rice or couscous for serving

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions until soft.
I add the garlic and ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through.
I season the meat with cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
I stir in the chopped bell peppers and zucchini or tomatoes, cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
I add the chopped spinach or kale and cook just until wilted.
I squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for brightness and taste to adjust seasoning.
I serve hot, topped with crumbled feta, parsley, or olives—usually over rice, quinoa, or tucked into warm pita bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Total time is about 25 minutes:

10 minutes for prep
15 minutes for cooking

Variations

Sometimes I swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. I also like stirring in cooked lentils for added texture and fiber. If I want a saucier stir fry, I add a splash of tomato paste and a bit of broth while it cooks. For a spicier version, I include red pepper flakes or chopped chili. If I’m watching carbs, I serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups.

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. This stir fry also freezes nicely—just cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container. To reheat, I thaw overnight and warm it up in a pan with a splash of water or oil. Easy Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, I often use whatever I have—broccoli, eggplant, mushrooms, or carrots all work great in this stir fry.

What’s the best ground meat for this recipe?

I usually go for lean ground beef (85–90%), but turkey or lamb also work well and give it a slightly different flavor.

How do I keep the veggies from getting soggy?

I cook them quickly over medium-high heat so they stay crisp-tender. I also avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I just leave out the feta or use a dairy-free version. The dish is still full of flavor without it.

What goes well with this stir fry?

I serve it over rice, couscous, or orzo. It also makes a great filling for pita wraps or stuffed bell peppers.

Conclusion

Easy Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is a go-to meal for busy days when I want something healthy and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. With savory beef, colorful veggies, and bold spices, it brings Mediterranean flavors right to my plate. Whether I’m meal prepping or feeding the family, this simple stir fry is always a win.