Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a delicious one-pan meal that’s quick, healthy, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned with garlic, oregano, cumin, and a touch of lemon, while the vegetables add freshness and texture to the dish. The addition of olives and feta gives it that distinct Mediterranean flair, making it a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves bold, savory dishes. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite veggies or even a swap for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
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2 zucchinis, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Set the cooked beef aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Season the Stir Fry: Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.
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Combine Beef and Veggies: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Add Olives and Feta: Stir in the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and the olives to warm up.
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Finish with Lemon: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the stir fry and toss everything together to combine.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the Mediterranean ground beef stir fry as-is, or over rice, quinoa, couscous, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Enjoy!
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is ready to serve—tender, savory, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add More Vegetables: Add other Mediterranean vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, or spinach to the stir fry for added nutrition.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to give the stir fry a spicy kick.
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Swap the Beef: You can use ground lamb or chicken in place of the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
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Make it Low-Carb: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This stir fry freezes well for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives?
Yes, you can use other types of olives, such as green olives or black olives, but Kalamata olives are the most traditional for Mediterranean dishes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for lentils or chickpeas for a hearty plant-based protein option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this stir fry can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano and parsley in place of the dried versions for added freshness. Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of the Mediterranean in a light, healthy meal. With its bold spices, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta and olives, this stir fry will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe. Whether you’re in a rush or looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor, this stir fry is the perfect solution!
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings together savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean spices. With ingredients like Kalamata olives, feta cheese, garlic, and lemon, this stir fry is a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or meal prep option, this Mediterranean-inspired stir fry is easy to make and bursting with bold flavors
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
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2 zucchinis, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For Serving (optional):
- Rice, quinoa, couscous, or a bed of greens
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
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Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Set the cooked beef aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
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Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. -
Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Season the Stir Fry:
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Add Spices:
Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.
Combine Beef and Veggies:
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Mix Beef with Veggies:
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Add Olives and Feta:
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Stir in Olives and Feta:
Stir in the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and the olives to warm up.
Finish with Lemon:
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Add Lemon Juice:
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the stir fry and toss everything together to combine.
Serve:
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Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry as-is, or over rice, quinoa, couscous, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Notes
Add More Vegetables: Add other Mediterranean vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, or spinach to the stir fry for added nutrition.Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to give the stir fry a spicy kick.Swap the Beef: You can use ground lamb or chicken in place of the ground beef for a different flavor profile.Make it Low-Carb: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
