Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your weeknight table in just minutes. I developed this recipe when I wanted something quick that still felt fresh and flavorful.
The first time I made this stir-fry was on a busy Tuesday evening when I needed dinner fast but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor. I remember tossing the ground beef with vegetables and Mediterranean spices, and the kitchen filled with the most wonderful aromas. My family was surprised at how something so quick could taste so good. The combination of olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese made it feel special without any extra effort. Now this Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry has become my solution for those nights when time is short but expectations are high.
Why This Stir-Fry Works So Well
Through making this dish countless times, I’ve discovered what makes Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry such a winner. The quick cooking method keeps everything fresh while developing deep flavors.
- Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Packed with vegetables for nutrition and color
- Mediterranean flavors bring brightness and depth
- Works beautifully over rice, pasta, or on its own
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Ground beef forms the hearty base of this stir-fry. I prefer 85/15 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and leanness.
Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch to each bite. In my kitchen, I use a mix of red and yellow peppers for the prettiest presentation.
Cherry tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness when cooked quickly. These little gems add bright acidity that balances the richness.
Kalamata olives contribute briny depth that defines Mediterranean cooking. Their distinctive flavor makes this dish special.
Dried oregano provides that classic Mediterranean herb flavor. I’ve learned that dried oregano actually works better than fresh in this quick-cooking dish.
Feta cheese adds creamy, tangy richness at the end. Crumbled feta melts slightly into the warm stir-fry, creating pockets of flavor.
Simple Steps to Success
Step 1. Heat olive oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 4. Season with dried oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly with the spices.
Step 5. Add the Kalamata olives and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Step 6. Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Storing and Reheating Tips
I typically store Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers particularly tasty.
For freezing, this dish holds up well for up to 2 months without the feta cheese. Add fresh feta when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
For the best results, I reheat this stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop keeps the vegetables from getting mushy.
Serving This Mediterranean Delight
Serve this Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry over fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up all the flavorful juices. Warm pita bread on the side is perfect for scooping up every last bite.
A simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon dressing provides refreshing contrast. Tzatziki sauce on the side adds cool creaminess that complements the warm spices beautifully.
For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Fresh lemon wedges at the table let everyone adjust the brightness to their taste. Consider serving alongside Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl for variety, or pair with Greek Ground Beef and Rice for similar flavors. Mediterranean Steak Bowl offers an upgraded protein option, while Greek Meatballs provides another Mediterranean ground beef choice.
FAQs
I recommend ground turkey as an excellent lighter alternative. It works perfectly with these Mediterranean flavors.
To prevent this issue, you can use green olives, black olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor profiles.
Many home cooks find success preparing this dish earlier in the day. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking apart with wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but still have crunch.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Season with dried oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly with spices.
- Add Kalamata olives and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
