Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe combines the bold, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean with the ease of a stir fry. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and Mediterranean herbs creates a savory dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner or a meal prep option, this stir fry has got you covered.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 zucchini, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spatula.
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Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
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Drizzle the lemon juice over the stir fry and toss everything together.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add more vegetables: Feel free to add in any other Mediterranean-inspired veggies like eggplant, olives, or spinach.
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Swap the beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for an extra kick.
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Top with feta: Crumbled feta cheese would be a great addition for a creamy and tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey would be great substitutes for a leaner option.
2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can be used. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or tofu for a vegetarian version.
4. Can I freeze the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, or chop up a fresh chili pepper and sauté with the onions and garlic.
6. Can I use a different protein like lamb?
Yes, ground lamb would be a delicious addition to this dish and will complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
7. How can I make this dish more filling?
Serve it over rice, quinoa, or couscous for an extra layer of texture and a more filling meal.
8. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add eggplant, olives, spinach, or even artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean-inspired veggies.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, make sure any additional seasonings or toppings (like sauces) you add are also gluten-free.
10. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stir fry and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s a great meal prep option!
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a simple, flavorful, and customizable dish that combines fresh vegetables, savory beef, and Mediterranean spices in a one-pan meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, and it will surely become a favorite in your household.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining lean ground beef with Mediterranean spices, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s a simple one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, providing a healthy balance of protein and veggies, all while offering a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes).
- Add vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Season: Stir in the oregano, basil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Finish with tomatoes and olives: Add the cherry tomatoes and olives to the pan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Serve: Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if preferred.
- Add more veggies like spinach or eggplant for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a low-carb version, serve this stir fry over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens instead of regular rice.
