Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, flavorful meals that don’t require a ton of prep, but still feel a little special. This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry hits that sweet spot perfectly! It’s packed with vibrant veggies, protein-rich ground beef, and topped with creamy feta. I love how the Mediterranean flavors like oregano, garlic, and olive oil come together to create a comforting, yet light dish that works for a busy weeknight or even an impromptu dinner with friends. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes—a win-win in my book!

this RECIPE

🍳 A quick story: the dinner that saved the night

I first stumbled upon this stir fry when I was desperate for something quick to make on a weeknight. My fridge was looking sparse—just a few vegetables, some ground beef, and the ever-present block of feta cheese. I wasn’t sure what I could throw together, but I figured I’d wing it with what I had. I sautéed up some cherry tomatoes and bell pepper, added spinach (because, why not?), and browned the beef. As I seasoned it all with oregano and garlic, the kitchen started to smell like a little corner café in Greece. I finished it with crumbled feta and crossed my fingers. To my surprise, it turned out to be a complete hit! Now, this recipe is a regular in my meal rotation, especially on nights when I want something flavorful without the fuss.

The Mediterranean connection: flavors that stand the test of time

Mediterranean cuisine has this wonderful way of using simple, fresh ingredients to create bold flavors, and this stir fry is no exception. The blend of olive oil, oregano, garlic, and vegetables is classic across the Mediterranean, from Greece to Italy. Over the years, this cooking style has evolved to incorporate more globally available ingredients, but it’s always retained that focus on vibrant, wholesome components. Ground beef isn’t always a Mediterranean staple, but in this dish, it adds a hearty richness that pairs beautifully with the tangy, fresh vegetables.

Let’s talk ingredients: building layers of flavor

This dish is made with just a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in the overall flavor.

• Ground beef: The star of the show, ground beef brings a savory, hearty element to the stir fry. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken, but I find beef gives the richest flavor.
• Olive oil: The foundation of Mediterranean cooking, olive oil adds a fruity, smooth base. I recommend using a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, crisp contrast to the rich beef and soft spinach. Yellow or orange peppers work well too if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cherry tomatoes: When sautéed, they blister and release their juices, adding a saucy, slightly sweet component to the stir fry.
• Baby spinach: A healthy, nutrient-packed green that wilts down and blends into the dish. You can substitute it with kale or arugula if you prefer.
• Garlic: Because what Mediterranean dish would be complete without garlic? It brings an aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Green onions: I love how these add a mild, fresh bite. The white parts go in with the veggies, and the green tops add a finishing touch at the end.
• Feta cheese: This creamy, tangy cheese is the perfect topping. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even parmesan can be good alternatives.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

To make this recipe, you don’t need much more than a good pan and a spatula. If you’ve got those, you’re pretty much set!

• Large skillet or sauté pan: A good-sized skillet is key for this recipe. Since you’ll be cooking the veggies first, then the beef, you need something big enough to handle it all. I prefer a non-stick pan for easy cleanup, but any large skillet works.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring, breaking up the ground beef, and making sure everything cooks evenly. A wooden spoon is my personal favorite because it’s gentle on the pan and makes scraping up those flavorful browned bits easier.

Step-by-step: how to make Mediterranean ground beef stir fry

1. Sauté the veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Stir them around for about 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to blister and the bell peppers soften. You’ll notice the tomatoes getting juicy and creating a lovely sauce. Add in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute, just until fragrant.

2. Wilt the spinach

Now, add the baby spinach and the white parts of the green onions to the pan. Don’t be alarmed by how much spinach there seems to be—it will shrink down as it cooks. Stir the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted down and is fully incorporated. Then, remove all the veggies from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

3. Brown the beef

In the same pan, add the ground beef along with the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Break up the beef with your spatula as it cooks, and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s fully cooked through, and if there’s any excess grease, drain it off before moving on.

4. Bring it all together

Add the sautéed veggies back into the pan with the beef, and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Stir in the green parts of the green onion for a pop of color and flavor. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta on top, and you’re ready to serve!

Mix it up: variations and adaptations I love

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and I’ve tried a few different versions based on what I had in my fridge or pantry.

• Vegan or vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat, or use chickpeas or lentils instead. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning a bit to enhance the flavor of the plant-based protein.
• Low-carb: This dish is already relatively low-carb, but if you’re looking to cut carbs further, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. I’ve tried this over a bed of cauliflower rice, and it pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors!
• Spice it up: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of harissa when you add the garlic.
• Seasonal twist: In the summer, you could swap the spinach for fresh basil or arugula and maybe even toss in some summer squash or zucchini. In the winter, kale works wonderfully in place of spinach.

Serving ideas: keeping it casual or dressing it up

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is incredibly flexible when it comes to serving. If you’re keeping things simple, just serve it straight from the pan with a side of toasted pita or crusty bread to soak up the juices. You can also serve it over couscous, quinoa, or rice if you want something more substantial.

If you’re feeling fancy, arrange the stir fry in shallow bowls and top with a few extra crumbles of feta and maybe a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.

beverage pairings: fresh and vibrant

When it comes to drink pairings, I love something that complements the fresh, vibrant flavors of this dish without overpowering it. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon: Light and refreshing, this drink enhances the brightness of the tomatoes and feta.
• Mint iced tea: A cold, refreshing mint tea complements the Mediterranean vibe and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Cucumber and lime spritzer: If you want something a little more fancy, mix cucumber slices with sparkling water, lime juice, and a few sprigs of fresh mint.

Leftovers? No problem! Storage and reheating tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores and reheats like a dream. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, you can either pop it in the microwave or warm it up on the stove over medium heat. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or olive oil to bring back some moisture. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through!

Scaling the recipe: cooking for a crowd or just for two

This recipe scales really easily, whether you’re cooking for a big family or just yourself. If you’re doubling the recipe, just make sure you use a large enough pan to avoid overcrowding. The cooking times won’t change much, but keep an eye on the vegetables to make sure they blister and soften properly.

For smaller portions, you can halve the ingredients. The key is to still sauté everything in stages so you get the same depth of flavor.

Wrapping it up: ready to give this stir fry a try?

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry is one of those dishes that’s easy to love. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you’re switching up the veggies, adding extra spices, or experimenting with new toppings, the beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible and forgiving. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb would be great in this recipe. Just adjust the seasoning to taste since different meats bring their own flavor profiles.

2. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply skip the feta or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze this stir fry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Definitely! You can use plant-based ground meat, chickpeas, or lentils to replace the ground beef.

5. What can I serve this with?
This stir fry pairs well with rice, quinoa, couscous, or even some warm pita bread on the side.

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