A Summer Favorite with Big Flavor and Simplicity
Every summer, I find myself returning to recipes that are both nourishing and easy to whip up without much fuss. One dish I never tire of is this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry—a fusion of bright vegetables, savory spices, and juicy beef, all tossed together in a skillet. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little escape to a seaside café in Greece or Southern Italy, especially when paired with warm pita or a glass of chilled lemonade.
This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s rustic beef and vegetable sauté, a dish she often made when we returned from the market with bags full of peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. While her version simmered for hours, I’ve adapted it into a quick summer stir fry that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for a family of six or for meal prep lovers, this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is an excellent summer dinner idea that’s healthy, customizable, and full of Mediterranean charm.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Quick & Easy: Done in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Versatile: Works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Seasonal: Summer vegetables shine in this dish.
- Family-Friendly: Mild spices and simple ingredients make it great for all ages.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean works best)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, halved and sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Preparation Steps for Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
1. Sauté the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the red onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the bell peppers and zucchini. Stir well and cook for about 5–6 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften but still hold a bit of crunch. These textures are key to a good stir fry—tender but not mushy.
4. Build the Mediterranean Base
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes. They’ll start to release their juices and mix beautifully with the spices. Add the baby spinach last; it wilts quickly and should be just barely cooked through.
5. Season Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the oregano, cumin, paprika, and more salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together and let the flavors meld for a minute or two over low heat.
6. Finish with Lemon and Feta
Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, toss once more, and sprinkle crumbled feta over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, then serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry can be a stand-alone main dish, or it can be served with:
- Couscous: Its fluffy texture pairs wonderfully with the juices from the stir fry.
- Brown rice or quinoa: Adds fiber and makes the dish more filling.
- Warm pita or flatbread: Great for scooping or wrapping.
- A light cucumber yogurt sauce: Something like tzatziki takes this dish over the top.
Nutritional Profile (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
This dish strikes a beautiful balance between protein, healthy fats, and veggies, making it ideal for anyone following a low-carb or Mediterranean-style diet.
Tips and Substitutions
- Ground Meat Options: Ground lamb or turkey both work well and add their own character.
- Cheese Variations: Goat cheese or grated Parmesan can be used in place of feta.
- No Spinach? Arugula or kale (lightly massaged or blanched) make great alternatives.
- Vegan Swap: Use lentils or crumbled tempeh, and swap feta for a vegan cheese alternative.
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or harissa paste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, but skip the spinach and feta before freezing. Reheat and stir in fresh spinach and feta before serving for best texture and flavor.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can use eggplant, mushrooms, green beans, or even chopped artichoke hearts. The key is to not overcrowd the pan, so cook in batches if needed.
How can I make this dish lower in fat?
Use extra-lean ground beef or switch to ground turkey. You can also cut down to 1 tablespoon of olive oil or use a nonstick skillet.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. It’s easy to scale up—just be sure to use a large enough pan or cook in two batches to avoid steaming the ingredients instead of stir-frying.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! With a very low carbohydrate count, it fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Just avoid serving with rice or bread.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful dinner made with fresh vegetables, ground beef, and bold spices—ideal for summer meals.
- Large Skillet
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 zucchini (halved and sliced into half-moons)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
Return ground beef to skillet. Add oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Squeeze in lemon juice, sprinkle with feta and parsley. Serve hot.
Feel free to substitute beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
More Mediterranean-Inspired & Beefy Dishes
- For a similar flavor profile in a bowl format, try our Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls.
- If you love hearty proteins, check out the Delicious Mediterranean Steak Bowls—perfect for dinner meal prep.
- For a classic beef bake, don’t miss the Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Potatoes—comfort food done right.
- For creamy, rich flavors, the Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a one-pan family favorite.
- Keep it veggie-packed and quick with our Easy Pasta Primavera Recipe.
- Want a low-carb twist? You’ll love the Burger Bowls Recipe.
- Try another cheesy one-pan meal with the cozy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo.
Conclusion for
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a go-to dish in our home during the summer months. It’s vibrant, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or just want a fast, healthy meal, this recipe delivers every time.
What I love most about this dish is how it captures the spirit of Mediterranean cooking—fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, good olive oil, and simple techniques that let the ingredients shine.
Try this recipe for your next dinner and you might just find it becomes a weekly staple. Don’t forget to serve it with warm bread or a side of couscous to soak up all those delicious juices.
