Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a quick and easy stir-fry, especially when it packs in so many vibrant Mediterranean flavors! This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry is a bit of a weeknight hero in my kitchen, combining lean ground beef with loads of colorful vegetables and savory seasonings. It’s a dish that balances freshness with heartiness, and honestly, I always find myself going back for seconds (or thirds, let’s be real). If you’re looking for a dish that’s healthy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this is it.

this RECIPE

A little backstory: why I love this recipe 🌿

I first stumbled across the idea of a Mediterranean-inspired stir-fry when I was on the hunt for something that would satisfy my craving for a simple, protein-packed meal, but with a twist. Traditional stir-fries tend to lean more towards Asian flavors—soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil—but I wanted to bring those quick-cooking techniques to Mediterranean ingredients. And that’s how this dish was born! Now, it’s a weeknight staple in my home because it’s loaded with nutrients, is so easy to make, and requires just one pan (less cleanup is always a win, right?).

What makes Mediterranean stir-fry different?

This stir-fry pulls together the earthy, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean—sweet bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, spinach, and of course, a sprinkle of salty, tangy feta cheese. The vegetables cook down quickly but retain their vibrant flavors, while the ground beef adds a rich, hearty base. Toss in a bit of dried oregano, which is a quintessential herb in Mediterranean cuisine, and you’ve got a meal that transports your taste buds straight to the coastlines of Greece or Italy.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple, fresh, and flavorful

• Ground beef: This is the base of your stir-fry. I like using lean ground beef, but you can opt for ground turkey or chicken if you want to switch it up. Just make sure to season well, as the meat brings a lot of the savory depth to the dish.
• Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, red bell peppers add a lovely crunch to the stir-fry. If you’re out of red, yellow or orange peppers work just as well.
• Cherry tomatoes: The little bursts of sweetness and acidity from the blistered cherry tomatoes really brighten up the dish. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use diced Roma or heirloom tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes tend to blister and sweeten up beautifully in the pan.
• Baby spinach: Spinach wilts down so quickly, and it adds a nice dose of greens to your meal. You could easily swap it for kale or Swiss chard if that’s what you’ve got on hand—just cook them a bit longer.
• Garlic: A Mediterranean dish wouldn’t be complete without garlic! I love how the garlic perfumes the entire dish, giving it that irresistible savory aroma.
• Green onions: These bring a mild, oniony flavor that complements the beef and veggies. You could substitute with shallots or even regular onions, but I love the brightness that green onions add.
• Feta cheese: The finishing touch—crumbly, salty feta brings everything together. It adds that tangy creaminess that rounds out the bold flavors. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast works as a decent substitute.

Kitchen tools: What you’ll need for this stir-fry

Good news: you don’t need anything fancy for this dish! Here’s what I always reach for:

• A large skillet or pan: Since you’ll be cooking everything in one pan, go for something with a bit of room. A heavy-bottomed skillet will help with even cooking and give your veggies that nice, caramelized touch.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together.
• A sharp knife: For slicing and dicing your veggies.
• Tongs: These can come in handy for tossing the spinach as it wilts.

That’s it! No need to overcomplicate things—just a few basic kitchen tools and you’re ready to go.

Step-by-step: How to make this Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry

1. Sauté the veggies

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, letting the tomatoes blister and soften. This is where the magic happens—the tomatoes release their juices, creating a natural sauce that coats everything beautifully. When the tomatoes start to look saucy, add in your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant (garlic cooks fast, so keep an eye on it!).

2. Wilt the spinach

Next up, add the baby spinach and the white parts of your green onions. Now, don’t worry if it looks like too much spinach at first—spinach always wilts down to practically nothing. Stir it around for 2-3 minutes until it’s fully wilted and tender. Once it’s done, scoop the veggies out onto a plate and set them aside.

3. Brown the beef

Now, in that same pan, add your ground beef along with the dried oregano, a pinch of kosher salt, and a generous sprinkle of black pepper. Use your spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. This part takes around 6-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fully browned. If you notice excess grease pooling in the pan, just drain it off (no one wants greasy stir-fry, right?).

4. Bring it all together

Once your beef is browned, return the sautéed veggies to the pan. Toss everything together, making sure the vegetables are evenly distributed with the beef. Then, sprinkle in the green parts of your green onions and give it a final stir. Warm everything through for another minute or two, and then you’re ready to serve.

5. The finishing touch

Before serving, crumble some feta cheese over the top. The salty, tangy feta is what really brings all the flavors together, and trust me, it makes this dish irresistible!

Make it your own: Variations and adaptations

• Vegan option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative, or use cooked lentils for a heartier texture. Skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your feta to make sure it’s certified gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive.
• Low-carb: As it stands, this recipe is pretty low-carb since it’s heavy on the veggies and protein. For a keto-friendly twist, you can add more healthy fats by drizzling extra olive oil or topping it with avocado slices.
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with some hot sauce at the end. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the Mediterranean flavors.

Serving suggestions: A colorful, vibrant meal

This dish is perfect for serving on its own, but if you want to stretch it out a bit, serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or rice. The grains will soak up the juices from the tomatoes and the beef, making every bite more flavorful. For a lighter option, you could also serve it in lettuce wraps or over a simple arugula salad. Garnish with extra feta, a drizzle of olive oil, and maybe a few slices of avocado for added richness.

drink pairings

Since this dish has bold, savory flavors with a slight tang from the feta, I like to pair it with something refreshing and crisp. A chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon or cucumber is always a safe bet. If you’re feeling a bit fancier, a mint lemonade or iced green tea with a hint of honey complements the freshness of the spinach and tomatoes beautifully. For a creamier option, a glass of iced almond milk or a lightly sweetened yogurt drink would also work well.

Storing leftovers and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry stores wonderfully. Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat. If it looks a bit dry (sometimes the beef absorbs the juices), add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life. You can also microwave it, but I find that reheating on the stovetop helps preserve the texture of the vegetables a little better.

Scaling the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe serves about 4 people, but if you need to make more, it’s easy to scale up! Just double the ingredients and make sure your pan is large enough to handle the extra volume (or cook in batches if needed). If you’re cooking for one or two, you can halve the ingredients, but keep the cooking times the same. I do recommend making the full batch, though—it makes great leftovers!

Common issues (and how to avoid them)

• Dry beef: If your ground beef is turning out dry, try using a slightly fattier cut of beef, like 85% lean. The bit of extra fat adds moisture and flavor.
• Watery veggies: If your stir-fry turns out too watery, it could be because the tomatoes released too much juice. You can fix this by cooking the tomatoes longer before adding the other ingredients, allowing the moisture to evaporate.
• Spinach overload: Spinach can wilt down significantly, but if you find it’s too much for your pan, add it in batches. It’ll shrink as it cooks, so just keep stirring!

Ready to cook? Give this Mediterranean stir-fry a try!

This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for something new to add to your weeknight rotation or want to experiment with Mediterranean ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Feel free to play around with the ingredients, adding your own twists and preferences. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, and even ground lamb could add an extra Mediterranean flair.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat when ready to eat.

What can I serve with this stir-fry?
It pairs well with rice, couscous, quinoa, or even a simple salad.

Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze it, but I recommend freezing only the beef and veggie mixture without the feta. Add fresh feta after reheating.

What’s a good substitute for feta?
If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan feta alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that tangy flavor.

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