Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry – Healthy & Flavorful Mediterranean Meal

Introduction To Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and delicious dish packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This stir fry is a perfect balance of savory, zesty, and fresh notes, thanks to ingredients like baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and the earthy richness of ground beef. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean spices- guide to Mediterranean spices–  like oregano transforms a simple stir fry into a flavorful meal in minutes.

Ideal for busy weeknights or a nutritious family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and customizable. With the addition of crumbled feta, it becomes an even more satisfying and flavorful meal. The inclusion of fresh vegetables ensures that each bite is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this stir fry both delicious and healthy. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or with a side of pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and healthy one-pan meal packed with vibrant vegetables, savory ground beef, and the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. With the addition of bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and green onions, this stir fry is as colorful as it is nutritious. Topped with crumbled feta for an extra burst of flavor, this dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that’s full of fresh ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

 

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta (optional)

---

Instructions

Heat the olive oil:

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté the vegetables:

Add the diced red bell pepper to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Cook the garlic and green onions:

Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

Cook the ground beef:

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ground beef to the other side. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Season the stir fry:

Once the beef is fully cooked, stir everything together. Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Add the spinach:

Stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt down into the stir fry. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and tender.

Garnish and serve:

Remove the pan from the heat and top with the green parts of the sliced green onions and crumbled feta (if using).

Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Notes

• If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the garlic.
• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different twist.
• Serve this stir fry with quinoa, couscous, or a side of pita bread to make the meal more filling.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
   Add the red bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the ground beef:
   Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the spices and seasonings:
   Stir in the dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the meat.
5. Incorporate the vegetables:
   Add the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
6. Finish with green onions and feta:
   Stir in the sliced green onions (both white and green parts) and top the stir fry with crumbled feta if desired.
7. Serve and enjoy:
   Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the stir fry on its own or with a side of rice, quinoa, or pita bread.

Advanced Techniques

Customizing Flavors

• Add more vegetables: You can easily add more vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or olives for a heartier Mediterranean flavor.
• Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño to the mix for some extra spice.
• Herb variations: Experiment with other Mediterranean herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to give the dish a new twist each time.

Make It a One-Pan Meal

To simplify cleanup and make this dish even more convenient, try cooking everything in one pan. You can add your choice of quinoa or couscous directly into the pan after the beef is cooked, allowing it to absorb the flavorful juices from the vegetables and meat. This method creates a complete meal in one dish, reducing prep time and dishes.

Enhancing the Texture

• Crispier beef: For a slightly crispy texture on the beef, increase the heat toward the end of cooking and allow the beef to brown and crisp in the pan.
• Lighter texture: If you prefer a lighter version of the dish, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein source without sacrificing flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan on keeping it for longer, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat until it’s heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the stir fry becomes too dry during reheating. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, for 1-2 minutes until hot.

Make Ahead

You can also prepare the stir fry ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and portion out the beef in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté and assemble the dish as instructed.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free

This dish is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that any condiments, such as the soy sauce (if used), are gluten-free as well.

Low-Carb Option

For a low-carb variation, skip the rice or bread and serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice. This adds a nutritious, low-carb base that complements the flavors of the dish.

Dairy-Free

If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Many plant-based cheeses are available that will mimic the salty and creamy flavor of feta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Recipe

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works well as a leaner substitute for ground beef. The flavor will be slightly milder, but still delicious.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas to create a satisfying vegetarian version of this Mediterranean stir fry.

What can I serve with this stir fry?

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or couscous. You can also serve it with a side of pita bread or top it with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for extra Mediterranean flair.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful, nutrient-packed dish that combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. Whether you choose to serve it with rice, quinoa, or enjoy it on its own, this stir fry is versatile and easily customizable to fit your preferences. The combination of fresh ingredients, spices, and optional feta cheese makes it a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!