Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

A flavorful, one-pan Mediterranean-inspired stir fry featuring seasoned ground beef, vibrant veggies, and bright herbs—ready in under 30 minutes for a satisfying dinner or healthy meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor: Savory herbs, warm spices, and fresh lemon elevate simple ground beef.

• Quick and easy: One skillet, minimal cleanup—ready in about 25 minutes.

• Balanced nutrition: Lean protein, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats in every bite.

• Meal prep made easy: Keeps well for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

• Flexible and kid-friendly: Pair with rice, pita, salad, or grain bowls—customize to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

• Optional toppings: crumbled feta, sliced olives, lemon wedges, or tzatziki

Directions

1. Sauté aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Brown the beef
   Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook 5–6 minutes until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.

3. Add vegetables and spices
   Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Add cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.

4. Add tomato paste and lemon
   Stir in tomato paste and lemon jui ce until well combined. Let cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavors and soften the sauce.

5. Finish and garnish
   Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley or cilantro. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon to taste. Top with optional feta or olives if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

• Ground lamb: Swap beef for lamb for a richer Mediterranean flavor.

• Veggie-packed: Add chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

• Greek-style: Stir in feta and Kalamata olives, and serve with tzatziki and warm pita.

• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

• Spicy version: Increase crushed red pepper or add harissa paste for heat.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in meal-prep portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water, or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Garnish fresh before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes—ground turkey or chicken works well; adjust seasoning as leaner meats may benefit from a bit more fat or olive oil.

2. How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?

It’s done when it’s browned with no pink bits left and reaches an internal texture that’s firm and crumbly.

3. Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely—broccoli florets, mushrooms, or diced eggplant are great additions added with the bell pepper.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—ensure your tomato paste and optional toppings (like tzatziki) are gluten-free.

5. Can I make it spicier?

Yes—add more crushed red pepper, a teaspoon of harissa, or chopped jalapeños to elevate heat.

6. What are good serving suggestions?

Serve over rice, couscous, quinoa, or wrapped in pita with fresh greens and sauce.

7. Can I prep ahead?

Yes—cook and cool completely before refrigerating. Add fresh herbs and toppings before serving.

8. Is it suitable for meal prep?

Definitely—portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

9. How can I keep it juicy?

Don’t overcook. Once beef is browned, move quickly through the veggie stage and remove from heat promptly.

10. Can I reheat more than once?

It’s best reheated only once. Store leftovers in single-use portions to avoid repeated reheating.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner that balances savory beef, vibrant veggies, and bright herbs in one simple skillet. Customizable, prep-friendly, and nutritious—it’s your go-to solution for delicious meals on busy days. Enjoy!