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Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

5.3 from 23 reviews

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a flavorful, quick, and healthy dish blending tender ground beef with fresh vegetables and traditional Mediterranean spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines the rich taste of cumin and smoked paprika with the brightness of lemon juice, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of olives, all in one skillet.

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

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: 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.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Season: 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.
  3. Add 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.
  4. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Top with crumbled feta cheese and optional pine nuts for extra crunch. Optionally, sprinkle sumac for extra tang before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on desired spice level or omit for no heat.
  • Serve over cooked rice, couscous, or with pita bread for a complete meal.
  • To make it vegan, omit the ground beef and feta, and use plant-based protein alternatives.
  • To save time, prepare and chop vegetables in advance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, ground beef stir-fry, quick dinner, healthy, easy recipe, cumin, smoked paprika, feta cheese, vegetables, one-pan meal