Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 red onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is the ultimate quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Bursting with the bold spices of the Mediterranean pantry, this dish comes together in just one skillet and under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs makes this stir-fry both comforting and exciting. It’s rich without being heavy, colorful on the plate, and balanced with a satisfying mix of textures. Whether you spoon it over rice, stuff it into a warm pita, or enjoy it solo, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something savory, fast, and slightly exotic. It’s family-friendly, easy to double for meal prep, and naturally gluten-free. The flavors are clean yet bold, and it pairs wonderfully with a wide range of sides. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For best results, use lean ground beef, preferably 85% to 90% lean. It offers just enough fat for flavor but not so much that it becomes greasy. If you’re using beef with higher fat content, be sure to drain the excess after browning.

Ingredients for the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Choosing the right ingredients for this stir-fry is key to capturing that bold Mediterranean essence. The staples here are pantry-friendly and flexible, allowing you to swap in what you have on hand without compromising the flavor.

Ground beef
Red onion
Garlic cloves
Bell pepper
Cherry tomatoes
Spinach
Olive oil
Paprika
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Salt & black pepper
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley

How To Make the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Spices

Toss in chopped bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, then sprinkle with paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Drizzle in the lemon juice and toss everything together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Serve hot as-is or pair it with your favorite base like rice, quinoa, or pita.

How to Serve and Store Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

This recipe makes enough to feed four people generously. If you’re feeding a crowd, it easily doubles without much extra prep. It’s a wonderful choice for meal prep, too, as it stores well and tastes great even after a couple of days.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry?

Hummus and Pita Bread

A dollop of creamy hummus with warm pita makes a great base or side for this stir-fry.

Herbed Couscous

Fluffy couscous cooked with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon brings out the citrusy notes of the stir-fry.

Greek Yogurt with Mint

A cool and tangy dip to balance the warmth and spices of the beef.

Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots add depth and color.

Tzatziki Sauce

Creamy and garlicky, this sauce is a classic Mediterranean accompaniment.

Brown Rice or Quinoa

For a fiber-rich, filling option that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.

Chopped Mediterranean Salad

Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta tossed in olive oil and lemon juice.

Want More Mediterranean Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry, try these other reader-favorite dishes:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it over couscous or tuck it into pita? Did you add olives or feta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is the kind of recipe that proves weeknight dinners can still be vibrant and exciting. With minimal effort and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. Keep it in your regular rotation and enjoy the versatility and flavor it brings to your table.