I still remember the first time I threw this dish together — it was one of those busy weeknights where the fridge felt like a puzzle and the clock was racing toward dinner. My grandpa used to say, “Simple food, good olive oil, and salt — that’s all you really need.” I had ground beef, half a bell pepper, some tired cherry tomatoes, and a jar of olives. What happened next turned into one of our most-loved meals. My husband literally stood over the stove scooping spoonfuls straight from the pan.
A Fast, Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Dinner
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is the ultimate one-pan wonder — juicy, seasoned ground beef tossed with veggies, briny olives, warm spices, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep stir fry lunches, or even tucked into a warm pita with tzatziki. Packed with protein and healthy fats, and naturally low-carb, this is a healthy ground beef recipe that fits everything from keto Mediterranean dinner goals to picky-eater approved meals. I make it at least once a week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or lamb)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 zucchini, halved and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: crumbled feta, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Swaps:
- Use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens
- Use canned chickpeas for a vegetarian twist
How to Make It
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes. Season with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the veggies: Toss in the bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Stir and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until the veggies are tender but still vibrant.
- Finish with flavor: Stir in the olives and lemon juice. Let everything mingle in the pan for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot: Sprinkle with crumbled feta, chopped parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love heat. I usually serve it with warm pita or over a bed of rice or couscous.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use a hot pan: Searing the beef properly adds tons of flavor — let it get that golden brown crust before stirring. This step elevates any healthy ground beef recipe.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep them tender-crisp to maintain that fresh Mediterranean feel and keep it perfect for meal prep stir fry containers.
- Lemon last: Always add lemon juice at the end so it doesn’t lose its brightness. A simple trick that keeps these low carb skillet meals vibrant and fresh.
Recipe Variations
- Low-carb version: Serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Kid-friendly tip: Skip the olives and serve with shredded cheese or inside tortillas as Mediterranean tacos!
- Spicy version: Add a dash of harissa paste or chili flakes while cooking the beef.
Serving Ideas
This stir fry is delicious on its own, but here’s how I love to enjoy it:
- In a warm pita with tzatziki and crunchy cucumbers
- Over fluffy couscous or herbed rice
- Alongside hummus and a big Greek salad
- For lunch with a fried egg on top (seriously, try it)
Make Ahead & Storage
This dish keeps beautifully:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Just warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! I use ground turkey often when I want something leaner. Just add a little more olive oil to keep it moist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — just make sure your spices and add-ons (like pita or couscous) are gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — swap the ground beef for canned chickpeas or cooked lentils, and add a pinch more cumin for depth.
Conclusion
This recipe is one of those easy weeknight miracles that feels cozy and nourishing, but still exciting. Every time I make it, I think of my grandpa’s words: keep it simple, but make it good. I hope it becomes one of your go-tos too
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini cut into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook and break up until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in red bell pepper and zucchini, cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cumin, oregano, paprika, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice.
- Top with feta cheese and parsley before serving.