Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
357 Comments
Dec 02, 2024
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This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry is the perfect quick and healthy meal. Ground beef is sautéed with juicy tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, handfuls of spinach, and simple seasonings that pack it with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stir Fry
I thought long and hard on what to call this recipe since ground beef isn’t typically associated with Mediterranean food. But the colorful assortment of Mediterranean vegetables added to the ground beef give it a unique spin that’s healthier, lighter, and more veggie-packed than other ground beef stir fries. So if you’re looking for an easy stir fry that’s entirely different from your classic Asian chicken stir fry, this recipe is for you! Here’s what else you’ll love about it:
- No sauce is needed. The blistered tomatoes, combined with garlic and oregano, infuse the beef with just the right amount of flavor and juiciness. So no added sauce is needed!
- It’s made in just 25 minutes. One of the best things about stir fries is how easy they are to make. This one is no exception and it comes together really quickly.
- It’s perfect for protein-packed meal prep. With 27 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a fantastic way to boost your protein intake. Plus, I’ve included plenty of ideas below on how to meal prep this stir fry and turn it into a complete meal.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I’m using 90% lean ground beef, so there’s almost no fat to drain. But you can use 80% ground beef as well, then drain off any excess fat. You can also use ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Bell Pepper and Baby Spinach: Red bell peppers add natural sweetness and a vibrant red color to this dish, though you can use any color bell pepper you’d like. And if you don’t have baby spinach, you can use any tender leafy greens you prefer such as kale or Swiss chard.
- Cherry Tomatoes: You can use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. I prefer the latter as cherry tomatoes are much juicier and blister beautifully in a pan.
- Garlic, Green Onion, and Oregano: Aromatics and herbs give this dish a punchy, herby flavor. If you find that it needs more seasoning, feel free to add more garlic and oregano.
- Crumbled Feta: This can be optional if you’re dairy-free. Otherwise, the crumbled feta really adds a delicious Mediterranean flair.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make This Ground Beef Stir Fry
Sauté the tomatoes and bell pepper. Heat the oil in a large pan, then sauté the tomatoes and bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes, until the tomatoes are beautifully blistered. Add the garlic and stir for another minute.
Add the spinach and green onion. Make sure to only add the white parts of the green onion! Stir everything for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted. Then, remove the veggies to a plate to cook the beef.
Cook the ground beef. Add the beef, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan, and use a spatula to break up the meat. When it’s browned, drain off any excess liquid.
Combine everything! Transfer the veggies back to the pan, add the green parts of the green onion, and stir everything together. Garnish with crumbled feta before serving for the final touch!
Ways To Serve
- Make a hearty grain bowl. This is great served over rice, lentils, or quinoa for a satiating meal. You could even dollop hummus or tzatziki on the side or drizzle tahini sauce on top for the ultimate Mediterranean flair.
- Ground beef lettuce wraps. Use this as a filling for a butter leaf lettuce wrap — a great low-carb option and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it, similar to chicken lettuce wraps!
- Turn this into a protein-packed breakfast. If you’ve been looking for creative ways to incorporate more veggies and protein at breakfast, this is the way to go. Top it with a fried egg or poached egg — the oozing yolk on this is delicious.
Storage Tips
- To store for the week: This will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container, which is perfect for enjoying servings throughout the week. Just make sure to let it cool before closing the lid.
- Freeze this for later: If you’d like to make a second batch to keep stored in the freezer, don’t add the crumbled cheese on top. Freeze the rest of the ground beef stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it back up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More Easy Ground Beef Recipes
- Stuffed Peppers: Another delicious way to enjoy ground beef with bell peppers.
- Best Ever Chili: The best family-friendly one-pot meal.
- Meatloaf: The glaze on this will have you coming back for more.
- Taco Soup: This will give your classic taco night a fun twist.
- Zucchini Lasagna: One of my favorite comforting meals that’s loaded with veggies.
If you make this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Description
Equipment
- All-Clad Saute Pan My favorite stainless steel fry pan!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 8 ounces baby spinach (small tub)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onion, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta, (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tomatoes and bell pepper. Heat the oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and cherry tomatoes and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and saucy. Add the garlic and stir another minute.
- Add the spinach. Add the spinach and white parts of the green onion. Note that the spinach will take up most of the pan, but it will wilt down. Stir for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted. Remove these veggies to a plate.
- Cook the beef. Add the ground beef, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan, and use a spatula to break up the meat. Cook the ground beef until it's browned, then drain off any excess grease.
- Garnish and serve. Transfer the veggies back to the pan, add the green parts of the green onion, and stir until warmed through. Garnish with crumbled feta before serving.
Lisa’s Tips
- Add more flavor by mixing in red pepper flakes (or other seasonings), kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Pair it with hummus or tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean flair.
- Swap the veggies for what you have on hand. Many people have swapped spinach for zucchini or kale!
- To store for the week: This will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container, which is perfect for enjoying servings throughout the week. Just make sure to let it cool before closing the lid.
- Freeze this for later: If you’d like to make a second batch to keep stored in the freezer, don’t add the crumbled cheese on top. Freeze the rest of the ground beef stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it back up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted August 2021, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
So easy to make and SO delicious! This is one of my go-to’s when I have ground beef in the freezer. I might actually add a little more spinach next time for color and nutrition.
I’m happy you loved it, Mary! And more spinach always sounds like a good idea to me. ;)
Loved the Mediterranean ground beef – added few pitted olives and little passata sauce -,delicious – will b a regular
Sounds awesome with those additions – enjoy!
I must admit, I had my doubts when I saw the title and ingredients for this recipe, but it turned out so good that I was so glad we had leftovers so that I could eat it again the next day. We had it with homemade bread and a Greek salad that I made. Will be adding this to our rotation!
Hi Peggy – I’m so glad you ended up enjoying this beef stir fry!
This was fantastic stuffed in a pita pocket with tzatziki on top! Easy, healthy weeknight meal.
Hi Kelly – Sounds like the perfect meal! Happy to hear you loved this recipe.
Great recipe! Fresh and delicious! I served it with white rice. Very easy to make!
So happy you enjoyed it! It really is delicious over white rice. :)
This will be a go to recipe. I served over zucchini noodles. it was so good. I love your recipes so easy to make and clear and precise.
Hi Hollis – Happy to hear you’ve found a new go-to recipe!
This recipe was amazing! It’s now a favorite for the whole family
Wonderful! So happy to hear you all love it. :)
How many servings in this recipe? Four?
Hi Sue – Yes, there are 4 servings.
This recipe for Ground Beef Mediterranean Stir Fry has earned a place on my regularly scheduled meal list. I make it with ground beef or ground turkey. The feta cheese adds a pop of flavor. I’m so glad I purchased your cookbook.
Hi Karen – Happy to hear you’re loving this beef stir fry! Hope you love your new book as well :)
Do you think sun dried tomatoes would taste good in this? I love them and trying to find ways to work them in my meals.
Hi Tammy – I don’t see why not!
Made this and it came out so good, I will make it again, to Stretch it out I added noodles to it… but we loved it..
Hi Georgia – I’m glad this tasted great with noodles added!
Very tasty and quick to prep. It was in the table in 30 minutes.
I’ll make it more Mediterranean next time by using ground lamb (or lamb mince as we Brits say).
Hi Shona – You can always count on this for an easy and healthy dinner!
I made it with ground turkey and added some sweet Visalia onion and a Tbsp of Better than Bouillon Beef flavor to the turkey mixture. Served it over spaghetti squash. Easy and has a lot of flavor.
Hi Sara – Happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Sounds great served over spaghetti squash.
Easy to make and delicious 😋 I did add some banana peppers and kalamata olives I will definitely make this again
Hi Brian – Happy to hear you love this beef stir fry!
I made the beef stir fry. It was delicious. With so few ingredients, i couldn’t believe how good it is.
Hi Paula – That’s great to hear! It really is the best simple dinner.
One of our favorite weeknight go to recipes because it comes together quickly and I usually have things on hand. I’ve also added zucchini if I have some that needs to be used up or subbed out different bell peppers. It’s great served as a rice bowl. It packs well for lunches the next day too.
Hi Julie – Happy to hear you’re loving this beef stir fry!
Great recipe, added a little lemon juice and topped with fresh dill. Served with a greek yogurt feta dip with zaatar for added protein. Thank you for the healthy and very tasty recipe
Hi Ryan – Glad you loved this beef stir fry!
Your recipes are great. I enjoy very much watching you and I will be looking for one of your books in Amazon .
Thanks for your feedback Angelina! Hope you enjoy your new cookbook :)
Great dish! I did not take a picture because we ate it up so fast! To make it stretch a bit, I paired it with jasmine rice which was perfect. I also added some hickory smoke seasoning to it and it came out awesome!
Hi Julie – I’m glad you love this beef stir fry!
Made this as written except we added an extra red pepper. This is delicious! Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Thanks so much, Melanie!
Delicious! My whole family loved it! It’s going on our food rotation!
Awesome! Happy they all loved it. It’s a great recipe to have on the regular. :)
I just tried it and am so happy to have shown me how to cook this recipe.
I love this page and advise from you> Bravo! Aime
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Just oregano does not make it “mediterranean”. I am of mediterranean descent. I got a lot more creative with my spices and added za’atar and some greek season in place of the plain oregano since it already contains it. And I added a touch a aleppo pepper for a little heat. Served it with rice, tzatziki, and pita for those of us not gluten free. I also roasted the tomatoes and peppers to get more of a “blister”.
I’m glad you enjoyed it with your tweaks!
Another winner! Just made this tonight (and your Perfect Rice recipe) and my husband loves it! Thank you!!
Wonderful! I’m glad you loved this beef stir fry.
So yummy! Made this last night for dinner and enjoyed leftovers for lunch. Hubby went back for seconds!
I’m happy you both enjoyed the recipe!
Delicious
I’m glad you enjoyed this beef stir fry, Krista!
Great and quick! I prepped this the day before. My husband and I topped it on top of our salad. However, next time will use lentils.
Lentils would be a great swap for the ground beef. Happy you both enjoyed it!
So good!! We ate it over cauliflower rice. My teenage boys even loved it and said it’s a new favorite.
Thrilled to hear this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry was a hit!
My husband really liked it, said it was high in macros.
Glad your husband enjoyed this ground beef stir fry!
Really great, fast recipe. Awesome for quick weeknight meal. Light and filling!
I’m happy you loved it!
Super easy and delicious! I have made this recipe a couple of times but using chicken mince and it’s great! My husband loved it!
It’s great for meal prep too, I’m doing a batch right now to enjoy this week 😊
Thanks Lisa!!
That’s great to hear this stir fry worked out great with ground chicken instead!
Amazing recipe! I forgot to put in the spinach and it was still an amazing meal with great flavor. Served over jasmine rice. A definite staple for using ground beef!
I’m glad to hear you’re loving this ground beef stir fry, Joyce!
I always seem to have ground beef, so this is a go-to recipe for me. Sometimes I add your pickled onions as a garnish. This is a quick easy week night supper, and if there are any leftovers – it’s a delicious lunch.
Since I had some health issues that led to a new diet 2 years ago, these recipes have been life-changing for me. This is one of my favorites.
There are so many ways to spruce up this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry! But happy to hear you’re loving it.
Made this once when I was looking for something different to do with minced beef. It was amazing, absolutely loved the flavors. Didn’t save it, but had to look for the recipe again after the family all asked me to make it again. Very quick and tasty!
Happy to hear the whole family enjoyed this ground beef stir fry! Don’t forget to bookmark it this time around, ha!
Incredible dish!!! My teen son requests this several times a week. We love it as a bowl with hummus, tzatziki, and veggies
That’s awesome your son loves it! And sounds like a great combo with those other items in a bowl. Well done!
Made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! The whole family loved it. I had some sliced baby portobello mushrooms left over from another recipe so I decided to add them in with the peppers and tomatoes. I think they work great in the dish. I’ll definitely make it again and keep the baby bella addition!
Sounds like a great addition with the portobello mushrooms, Jason! The more veggies the better!
Super easy & scrumptious!
For many years I was vegetarian and pescatarian and recently switched over to a paleo diet.
I used grass-fed beef, had three Roma tomatoes already in my fridge and lots of fresh homegrown oregano. The spring onions were a nice touch too! I will definitely be making this again and I think my teenage son will enjoy this also!
Glad you and your family is loving this ground beef stir fry!
DELICIOUS!!! Easy to prepare and CHEAP! Substituted ground turkey for the ground beef to reduce fat content and served over riced cauliflower to get one more veggie serving in my meal and tasted fantastic!
Glad you’re loving this stir fry recipes Betsy!
Super easy & delicious! I meal prepped the onion, cherry tomatoes and pepper ! So quick and yummy! 😋
Made this recipe for our good friends who just had a baby and WOW!! It was so good when taste testing that I have made it 3 times since! Super easy dish to make yet extremely flavorful!
I’m happy you loved the recipe so much that you keep making it over and over!
I couldn’t figure out what green onions were until I saw your photo. We call them spring onions in the UK 🇬🇧. This looks delicious.
Hope you enjoy this recipe with spring onions!
I have the ingredients on my shopping list, will let you know :)
It was absolutely delicious, it’s on my keto recipe list now. I will definitely be making this again, thank you.
So glad you’re loving this beef stir-fry, Barbs!
Lisa,
Is olive oil safe to use when sautéing the peppers? I know it is infinitely better than the seed oils, but what about the smoke point?
Yep, olive oil is fine!
I will make this again. It was easy and yummy after a work day. I prepped everything the night before (chopped veggies, cooked meat) and it came together fast. I added more oregano. I’m glad to serve my family a meal with so many veggies. I had leftover noodles and used those to go along with the meal. Thank you!
I bet it’s even quicker if you have all the ingredients chopped and prepped! Glad you’re loving this, Jennifer :)
Made this for meal prep for the week-pretty tasty. I added some cooked quinoa, garbanzo beans, asparagus, and some roughly chopped Kalamata olives-added quite a bit of flavor. Will definitely make this again. Thanks!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I make this recipe all the time, my boyfriend loves it as much as I do. We’ve made it for dinner guests and they raved about it as well. I add crushed red pepper to mine and when I want to switch it up I eat it over orzo or rice! 10/10 recommend.
Happy to hear you and everyone else is loving this stir fry recipe Sarah!
Quick, tasty, healthy. I ate 2 portions for my dinner. Will definitely make again.
Happy to hear this was a hit for dinner, Rick!
My husband and I love this dish. I replaced the spinach with zucchini, as we both dislike spinach. The second time I made this I added Kalamata olives…just because it’s Mediterranean and we both love them. Also, I added lots of butter instead of oil. This is becoming a staple recipe!!
It’s such a versatile dinner! Glad you enjoyed this stir fry recipe, Sue :)
This was very delicious! It was simple and easy to make and my family loved it.
A family member said they thought we should put this into our meal rotation and I agree.
It’s great for an easy meal to throw together on a time crunch! Glad you’re loving it.
This recipe looks healthy AND refreshing! Thank you! I am always looking for new healthy recipes for ground beef.
Hope you love this stir fry recipe, Bob!
Super good and best of all super easy! I added greek olives and cooked the tomatoes in butter not oil. Will make again for sure!!! Even my picky husband said it was very good. Thank you :)
Hi Kayla – Happy to hear you’re loving this easy ground beef stir fry!
I loved this recipe. I live in a county with more cows than humans, so we buy fresh beef. From rural America – this meal was wonderful!!! It was also a beautiful meal! I loved that it was Mediterranean and with ground beef, something I never see.
This recipe is perfect for you then Paula! I’m glad you enjoyed this fresh twist on ground beef.
Forgot to give it stars when I posted my comment.
Thanks, Jennifer!
We loved it. Based on other reviews, I upped the oregano to 1 tsp, added a 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sliced white mushrooms, and a handful of sliced Kalamata olives. My husband couldn’t stop eating it and asked me to make it again soon.
Loving all the ingredients you added to this recipe, Jennifer!