This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, bright weeknight meal that fills the kitchen with warm, savory aromas. Ground beef browns until crisp, then mingles with sweet bell pepper, tender zucchini, and burst cherry tomatoes. A touch of oregano and paprika gives it a sun-soaked, herbal flavor. Serve it over rice, with pita, or on a bed of greens for a simple, satisfying dinner. If you like bold beef bites, you might also enjoy a playful appetizer like the beef bacon jalapeno popper cheese balls for game day or parties.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Why Make This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
This recipe is fast, flexible, and full of texture. The ground beef adds savory richness, while the vegetables keep the dish bright and light. It smells of garlic and oregano as it cooks, and the cherry tomatoes release little pops of sweet juice. It’s perfect for busy nights, and it reheats well for lunches. The dish is also easy to adapt to what you have on hand.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Follow a few simple steps: sauté aromatics, brown the beef, add colorful vegetables, then season and finish. The method keeps ingredients separate enough to retain texture while building flavor. Use medium heat to brown the meat without overcooking the vegetables. Stir often and taste as you go.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 bell pepper, chopped, 1 zucchini, sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the pan warms, chop the onion and bell pepper, slice the zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready helps the stir fry cook quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the hot skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Stir often to prevent burning.
Step 3: Cooking
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until nicely browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired. Stir in the chopped bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of bite.
Step 4: Finishing
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve hot over rice, couscous, or tucked into warm pita. The fresh parsley adds a clean, herbaceous touch against the savory beef.
How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Over fluffy rice or couscous for a hearty bowl.
- Spoon into warm pita or flatbread with a dollop of tzatziki for a Mediterranean wrap.
- Serve over mixed greens for a lighter, low-carb meal.
- Top with crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Pair with a crisp salad or roasted potatoes for casual dinners, or set out toppings like olives, feta, and yogurt for a build-your-own plate.
How to Store Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Cool to room temperature before sealing.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the meat moist.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Use medium heat to brown meat well without burning the aromatics.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in a wide skillet so moisture can evaporate and the beef can brown.
- For leaner results, choose 90/10 ground beef and add a little olive oil if the pan runs dry.
- Add cherry tomatoes last so they burst slightly but still keep some texture.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end—seasoning becomes more noticeable after resting a few minutes.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when deglazing the pan after browning the beef.
Delicious Variations
- Turkey or chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
- Mediterranean mix: Stir in olives, artichoke hearts, or capers for briny notes.
- Cheesy finish: Top with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of wilted spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the stir fry and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove for best texture.
Q: What ground beef is best to use?
A: Use whatever you prefer. 80/20 gives richer flavor and juiciness. 90/10 cuts fat for a leaner dish. If using very lean beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil while cooking.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Mushrooms, eggplant, spinach, or sliced carrots all work well. Add harder vegetables earlier and delicate ones later.
Q: How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
A: Cook over medium heat and don’t cover the pan. Stir so vegetables cook evenly but keep some bite. Add tender veggies near the end of cooking.
Q: Is this suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes. Portion into containers with rice or greens. It reheats well and holds flavor. Store toppings like parsley or cheese separately to keep them fresh.
Q: Can I make this in advance and freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a fast, tasty weeknight win — savory, colorful, and easy to adapt. The mix of browned beef, sweet tomatoes, and tender zucchini makes each bite satisfying. If you want another inspiration with bright Mediterranean flavors, check out this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe from Downshiftology for a slightly different take. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Print
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A quick and vibrant Mediterranean stir fry featuring browned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and savory spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Prep all vegetables and have them ready to ensure even cooking.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
- Stir in chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot over rice, couscous, or pita.
Notes
Perfect for meal prep and can be customized with various vegetables. Reheats well for lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
