This Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh vegetables, warm spices, and topped with feta cheese, it’s a meal that offers both comfort and a burst of Mediterranean goodness. Whether you’re serving it over rice, couscous, or in pita pockets, this dish is bound to satisfy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
Directions
Cook beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If needed, drain excess fat.
Sauté veggies:
Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Add spices:
Stir in cumin, coriander, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomatoes & finish:
Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
Remove from heat:
Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.
Serve:
Sprinkle with feta cheese if using, and serve hot over rice, couscous, or in pita pockets.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including the cooking time. It’s an ideal dish for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Variations
Add kalamata olives for more Mediterranean flavor.
Swap beef for ground lamb or turkey for a lighter or different taste.
Serve with tzatziki or hummus on the side for extra flavor.
Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens.
Use gluten-free pita or serve it with quinoa for a different base.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even improve the next day!
Reheating:
To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a little splash of water if it gets too dry.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground lamb would work wonderfully in this recipe. It adds a richer, more distinct flavor and is a traditional choice in Mediterranean cuisine.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stir fry can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. It’s a great option for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
What should I serve this with?
This stir fry is great served over rice, couscous, or in pita pockets. You could also pair it with a fresh Mediterranean salad or some warm pita bread on the side.
Conclusion
This Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. With its delicious combination of spices, fresh veggies, and optional feta topping, it’s both satisfying and packed with Mediterranean flair. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this dish is bound to impress!
📖 Recipe:
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Savory Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and flavorful Mediterranean stir fry with ground beef, fresh vegetables, warm spices, and feta cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If needed, drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cumin, coriander, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese if using, and serve hot over rice, couscous, or in pita pockets.
Notes
Add kalamata olives for more Mediterranean flavor.
Swap beef for ground lamb or turkey for a lighter or different taste.
Serve with tzatziki or hummus on the side for extra flavor.
Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens.
Use gluten-free pita or serve it with quinoa for a different base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
