Looking to shake up your dinner routine with a bold, colorful dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious? This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is the answer. It’s a vibrant, protein-packed skillet dinner brimming with lean ground beef, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, garlic, olives, and fragrant Mediterranean herbs.
What makes this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry shine is its perfect balance of savory, salty, and fresh. It’s quick enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve guests. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking on the fly, this Mediterranean-inspired stir fry will satisfy cravings without the fuss.
Not only is it gluten-free and low-carb, but it’s also highly customizable. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or over greens—it’s a flavorful dish with endless possibilities.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes to clean—cook everything in one skillet.
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Versatile: Great on its own, over grains, or in wraps and bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink—about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add Veggies & Season
Stir in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Season with oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
4. Finish with Herbs and Lemon
Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy your freshly made Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry right out of the skillet or pack it up for flavorful meals throughout the week.
Expert Tips
Making the perfect Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is all about choosing fresh ingredients and cooking them with care.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use freshly minced garlic for the most aromatic flavor.
- Don’t overcook the bell peppers; they should remain slightly crisp.
- Add lemon juice off heat to preserve its fresh, zesty brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using high-fat beef without draining the grease—it can make the stir fry greasy.
- Skipping seasoning—Mediterranean spices make the dish pop.
- Overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary to get a good sear.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freeze: Yes! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serve your Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry over couscous, quinoa, or warm flatbread for a hearty Mediterranean-inspired plate. You can also:
- Wrap it in warm pita with tzatziki for a gyro-style meal.
- Top with crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for an extra veggie boost.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is your go-to for quick, healthy, and delicious dinners. It’s full of Mediterranean flair and comes together in a flash. If you make it, leave a comment below and tag us @recipesflare on Instagram—we love seeing your creations!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
What kind of ground meat can I substitute?
Ground turkey, lamb, or chicken also work well in this recipe.
Is this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry low carb?
Yes—it’s low in carbs, especially if you skip starchy sides like rice.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
- – 1 lb lean ground beef
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- – 3 garlic cloves minced
- – 1 red bell pepper sliced
- – 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- – 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- – 1/4 cup kalamata olives sliced
- – 1 tsp dried oregano
- – 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- – 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- – Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic, stir until fragrant.
- Add ground beef. Brown until cooked through.
- Stir in peppers, tomatoes, olives, and spices. Cook 5–6 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.
- Serve warm over rice, quinoa, or greens.
Notes
- You can easily swap the ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or even plant-based alternatives for a different protein option.
- Want to make it low-carb? Serve over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce cups.
- For extra richness, top with crumbled feta cheese or a spoonful of hummus before serving.
- This stir fry is meal-prep friendly—store in individual containers with cooked quinoa or couscous for ready-to-go lunches.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or skipping the red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to mix in extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
