Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 1 medium zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry is a quick, flavorful, and wholesome dish that brings together lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and warm Mediterranean spices. It’s a one-pan recipe that I love to make on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying yet light.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s versatile and easy to make. I can throw it together in under 30 minutes, and it always tastes fresh and vibrant. The combination of beef with zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes creates a balanced meal that feels hearty without being heavy. I also like that I can serve it in so many different ways—over rice, with pita bread, or even on its own as a low-carb option.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (lean)
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Bell peppers, chopped
Zucchini, sliced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Spinach or kale
Ground cumin
Paprika
Dried oregano
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon juice

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
I stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
I season the beef with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
I add bell peppers and zucchini, cooking until tender.
I toss in cherry tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
I finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so in just 30 minutes I have a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meal ready to enjoy.

Variations

I like to switch up the vegetables depending on what I have on hand—eggplant, mushrooms, or broccoli also work beautifully. Sometimes I replace ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for a different twist. To make it heartier, I serve it over rice, couscous, or quinoa. For a low-carb version, I enjoy it on its own or with cauliflower rice.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. It can also be reheated in the microwave for a quick option. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, I can swap the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to serve this stir-fry?

I like serving it over rice, couscous, or wrapped in warm pita bread, but it’s also great on its own.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, I can use frozen vegetables if I don’t have fresh ones. I just make sure to sauté them long enough so they don’t release too much water into the stir-fry.

How can I make it spicier?

I like adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even a chopped chili pepper to give the dish more heat.

Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?

Definitely. I can make it ahead of time, portion it into containers, and keep it in the fridge or freezer for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want a flavorful, quick, and healthy meal. I love how flexible it is, letting me use whatever veggies I have on hand, and it always delivers big taste with minimal effort. Whether I’m serving it for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead, this dish always hits the spot.