Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Easy 20-Minute Mediterranean Beef Stir Fry is your ticket to a flavorful, healthy dinner on the busiest of nights. With lean ground beef, fresh veggies, and classic Mediterranean spices, it’s a complete meal that comes together in one pan. For another quick ground beef favorite, try the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe.

Ingredients

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry comes together with fresh, vibrant ingredients that create a savory, herbaceous, and satisfying one-pan meal.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 8 ounces baby spinach
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta, optional (for garnish)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry comes together in about 25 minutes, making it roughly 30% faster than similar skillet meals that require longer marinating or simmering times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Finely chop one medium onion, mince 3 cloves of garlic, and dice one large bell pepper. Measure out your spices: 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and cumin, plus ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Having everything ready makes this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry come together quickly.

Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until no pink remains and it’s nicely browned. For the best texture, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 3 — Sauté the Aromatics

Push the beef to the side of the pan. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the empty space. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4 — Add Spices and Tomatoes

Sprinkle the oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Add one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5 — Simmer to Develop Flavor

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the stir fry simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly, creating a richer sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6 — Incorporate Olives and Herbs

Stir in ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Taste the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry and season with salt and black pepper as needed. The olives add a briny, salty punch that defines the dish.

Step 7 — Check for Doneness and Serve

The stir fry is ready when the beef is fully cooked, the vegetables are tender-crisp, and the sauce has thickened. For a complete meal, serve it hot over a bed of cooked couscous, rice, or with warm pita bread. A final garnish of crumbled feta cheese adds a classic Mediterranean finish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	24g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates are per serving for this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry and are based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is easy to adapt for different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some simple swaps to try.

• Leaner Protein — Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat while keeping the dish hearty.
• Plant-Based Protein — Use a plant-based ground alternative or crumbled firm tofu for a vegan Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry.
• Lower-Carb Option — Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh spinach instead of traditional rice or couscous.
• Dairy-Free — Omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep the flavors bright and tangy.
• Gluten-Free — Ensure your soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce is a certified gluten-free brand, or use tamari.
• Low-Sodium — Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce, and rely more on herbs, lemon juice, and garlic for flavor.
• Extra Veggies — Bulk it up with additional vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for more fiber and nutrients.
• Different Herbs — Fresh dill or mint can be a refreshing substitute or addition to the classic oregano and parsley.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this vibrant Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy lemon-herb couscous or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices.
• For a low-carb option, spoon the savory beef mixture into crisp romaine lettuce leaves or warm whole-wheat pita pockets.
• Complement the rich flavors with a simple side salad of chopped cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese tossed in a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette.
• This quick and easy stir fry is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, but its bright, fresh taste also makes it a great option for casual weekend entertaining.
• For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, and a lemon wedge on the side.
• Turn leftovers into a fantastic next-day lunch by stuffing the mixture into a pita or wrapping it in a large flour tortilla with some hummus and greens.

This versatile Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry adapts easily to your meal plan, whether you need a fast family dinner or a flavorful dish to share with friends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner). Fix: Opt for 85/15 or 80/20; the extra fat carries flavor and prevents a dry, crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when browning the beef. Fix: Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper searing and browning, not steaming.
• Mistake: Adding vegetables at the wrong time. Fix: Sauté aromatics (onion, garlic) first, then add heartier veggies like bell peppers before the beef to build layers of flavor.
• Mistake: Overcooking the vegetables until they’re mushy. Fix: Aim for a crisp-tender finish; they’ll continue to soften slightly from residual heat after you turn off the stove.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning bloom. Fix: Add dried oregano, cumin, or paprika to the hot oil for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to unlock their full aroma.
• Mistake: Using watery fresh tomatoes instead of paste or sun-dried. Fix: Use tomato paste or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated, umami-rich Mediterranean flavor without excess liquid.
• Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients (lemon juice, vinegar) too early. Fix: Stir in fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar just before serving to keep the flavor bright and vibrant.
• Mistake: Neglecting to deglaze the pan. Fix: After browning the beef, add a splash of broth or wine to scrape up the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the pan bottom.
• Mistake: Forgetting to finish with fresh herbs. Fix: Always stir in a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley, dill, or mint at the end for an authentic, fragrant finish.
• Mistake: Serving immediately without resting. Fix: Let the finished Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry sit for 5 minutes off the heat; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Always use shallow containers for cooling and storage to promote rapid, even temperature reduction, which is key for maintaining quality and safety.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner any night of the week. We hope you love this simple recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more easy ground beef ideas, check out our Walking Taco Casserole Recipe or French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious meal inspiration!

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FAQs

What can I serve with this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry?

This versatile dish pairs well with many sides. For a complete meal, serve it over rice, quinoa, or couscous. You can also stuff it into pita pockets or enjoy it with a simple side salad.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef. Ground lamb or ground turkey are excellent alternatives that still fit the Mediterranean flavor profile of this stir fry. Adjust cooking times slightly if using leaner meats.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.