Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
A flavorful Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry packed with vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and a punch of fresh herbs and lemon. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, combining tender ground beef with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives, topped with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts for extra texture and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender. Then add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives, mixing well and cooking together for 2 more minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts. Sprinkle sumac if desired for extra tang before serving.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture without greasiness.
- Allow the beef to brown well without excessive stirring to develop deep caramelized flavors.
- Add fresh lemon juice and parsley at the end to maintain their vibrant freshness and brightness.
- Serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean ground beef stir fry, quick beef stir fry, healthy beef recipe, Mediterranean diet, easy dinner recipe, beef and vegetables stir-fry
