Description
When you need a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, look no further than this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry. It’s a beautiful balance of savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and warm Mediterranean spices, all cooked to perfection in one pan.
Ingredients
FOR THE STIR-FRY:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
TOPPINGS & OPTIONAL ADD-INS:
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ tsp sumac for extra tang (optional)
Instructions
-
STEP 1: SAUTÉ THE AROMATICS
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
STEP 2: COOK THE GROUND BEEF
Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
-
STEP 3: ADD THE VEGETABLES
Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes.
-
STEP 4: FINISH WITH FRESHNESS
Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Top with crumbled feta cheese and optional pine nuts for extra crunch.
Notes
For the best texture, use 85% lean ground beef—it has enough fat for flavor but won’t be greasy.
Let the beef brown without stirring too much to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
Add fresh lemon juice and parsley at the end for a burst of brightness.
If serving with rice or quinoa, cook it ahead for a fast and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ground beef, stir fry, mediterranean, feta, one-pan