Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

There’s something so delightful about a Mediterranean-inspired stir fry that makes me think of easy, breezy weeknight dinners. The flavors are fresh, the ingredients simple, and you’re rewarded with a healthy, vibrant dish that doesn’t feel too heavy. This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is one of my go-tos for when I want to bring a little sunshine to the dinner table, no matter the season.

It’s the kind of meal that comes together quickly but still feels nourishing and satisfying. Juicy ground beef meets a rainbow of vegetables, including tender spinach and blistered tomatoes, all topped with a bit of tangy feta cheese. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, an easy meal prep option, or something to shake up your usual weeknight routine, this recipe has you covered.

I remember the first time I made this dish on a whim with what I had in my fridge—some ground beef, a handful of veggies, and feta cheese that I had almost forgotten about in the back of the fridge. I didn’t expect much, but when I took that first bite, I was floored by how well the flavors came together. It instantly became a staple in our household, and now I’m sharing it with you!

this RECIPE

A Mediterranean twist on classic stir fry

Stir fries aren’t usually associated with Mediterranean cuisine, but this recipe is proof that you can take the best of both worlds and create something truly delicious. The technique of quickly sautéing vegetables and proteins in a pan is borrowed from stir-frying, but the ingredients—olive oil, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and oregano—bring the bold, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to the mix. You get all the benefits of a stir fry: minimal cooking time, one-pan ease, and a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. But instead of the usual soy sauce or ginger, you’re getting savory, herb-infused flavors that’ll transport you to the coastlines of Greece or Italy. Not bad for a Tuesday night dinner, right?

A quick trip down memory lane…

I have to tell you, the smell of this dish cooking always reminds me of the time I spent in a little coastal village in Crete. I was staying in a rented house that had a tiny kitchen with a window overlooking the ocean, and every evening, the scent of fresh herbs, grilled meats, and ripe vegetables would waft through the air as locals prepared dinner. This recipe brings me back to that place—a simple kitchen, an ocean breeze, and the taste of fresh ingredients coming together. Cooking this stir fry doesn’t quite replicate that view (alas, my kitchen window looks out onto a street), but the flavors are just as transporting!

The star ingredients (and a few friendly swaps)

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish sing:

• Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish, adding a rich, savory flavor. You can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for something lighter. I’ve even used ground lamb for an extra Mediterranean touch, which turned out beautifully.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch to balance the beef. You could also use yellow or orange peppers for a similar effect, or even swap in some diced zucchini or eggplant if you want to experiment with other Mediterranean veggies.
• Cherry tomatoes: When sautéed, these burst and create a sort of instant sauce. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you could use diced Roma tomatoes or even canned tomatoes in a pinch.
• Baby spinach: It wilts down into the dish, adding a boost of nutrients and a pop of color. If you don’t have spinach on hand, you can use kale or Swiss chard—just give them a few more minutes to soften.
• Garlic and green onions: These bring a fresh, savory kick to the dish. If you’re out of green onions, you can use shallots or even a regular yellow onion—just sauté it a bit longer to soften.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled over the top, it adds a salty, tangy finish. If you don’t do dairy, you can skip this, or use a dairy-free cheese. I’ve also tried it with goat cheese, and let me tell you—it’s amazing.
• Oregano: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, this herb brings everything together. Fresh or dried oregano works, but if you’re out, thyme or basil would also work in a pinch.

Kitchen tools you’ll need (and can probably already find in your cupboard)

For this recipe, you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools:

• A large skillet or pan: You want something big enough to hold all the veggies and meat without crowding. Non-stick is great here to prevent sticking, but stainless steel or cast iron will also work.
• A spatula: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together. I use a silicone one to avoid scratching my pans, but anything sturdy will do.
• A sharp knife and cutting board: For chopping the veggies. If you’re like me, you might prefer to dice everything ahead of time to keep things moving smoothly while cooking.

That’s really all you need! One of the things I love most about this recipe is how minimal it is in terms of equipment and cleanup.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for Mediterranean ground beef stir fry

1. Heat things up: Start by warming the olive oil in your pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. You’ll want to sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, just until the tomatoes start to blister and get all saucy. (I love this part—it smells amazing!)
2. Add the aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onion. Give it another minute to cook—just enough time for the garlic to get fragrant. You don’t want it to brown, though, because burnt garlic is a flavor we’re definitely not going for here.
3. Wilt the greens: Now, add the spinach. It might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, it’ll shrink down to practically nothing. Stir it around for 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted, then transfer everything to a plate and set it aside.
4. Cook the beef: In the same pan, add the ground beef along with the dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your spatula to break up the meat into small pieces, and cook until it’s browned. This should take about 6-8 minutes, depending on the heat. Once it’s cooked, you’ll want to drain off any excess grease.
5. Bring it all together: Return the veggies to the pan with the beef, and stir in the green parts of the green onion. Let everything cook together for another minute or two until it’s warmed through.
6. Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and get ready to dig in!

Variations and adaptations to make it your own

• Low-carb/keto: This recipe is already pretty low-carb, but if you want to take it further, try serving it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Vegan/vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also skip the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or even a sprinkle of cumin for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Seasonal swaps: In the summer, zucchini or eggplant would be delicious here. In the winter, try adding some hearty mushrooms or even a handful of olives for a briny kick.

How to serve it up (and make it look pretty!)

When serving this Mediterranean stir fry, I love to keep things simple. A shallow bowl works perfectly, with the stir fry heaped in the center and an extra sprinkle of feta on top. You can garnish with a little chopped parsley or a few more slices of green onion if you’re feeling fancy. It’s also great with a side of crusty bread or pita to soak up all the juices.

Drink pairings to make it even better

For a Mediterranean-inspired dish like this, a glass of crisp white wine is a lovely match. Something like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko would complement the tangy feta and savory beef nicely. If you’re more of a red wine drinker, a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir would do the trick. And if you’re skipping the alcohol, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime is always refreshing.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (though that rarely happens in my house!), this dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container. To reheat, pop it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, or microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Avoid reheating it with the feta on top—add that fresh after warming.

Scaling the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe is easy to scale up or down. For a larger crowd, just double the ingredients. You’ll need to cook the veggies and beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, but other than that, it’s smooth sailing. If you’re cooking for one or two, you can halve the recipe easily, and it works just as well.

Potential hiccups (and how to avoid them)

• Overcooking the veggies: You want the tomatoes to blister, not turn to mush. Keep an eye on them and pull them from the heat just as they start to soften.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns fast, so make sure you’re stirring and keeping the heat at medium-high but not scorching. It should only take a minute to become fragrant.

Go on, give it a try!

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is the perfect way to mix up your dinner routine with something that’s both comforting and fresh. It’s easy to customize, quick to make, and full of flavors that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean. So grab your skillet and give it a go—you won’t be disappointed!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb all work beautifully here.
2. Is there a vegan option? Yes, just swap the ground beef for tofu or a plant-based meat substitute and use dairy-free cheese.
3. How do I make this spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when cooking the beef for a bit of heat.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? You can, though it’s best fresh. If you do make it ahead, store the feta separately and add it just before serving.
5. What can I serve this with? It’s great on its own, but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or pita bread for a more complete meal.

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