A quick, flavorful one-pan meal with seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, garlic, herbs, and a bright lemon finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner and delicious served with rice, couscous, quinoa, or warm pita.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Beef & Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced, optional
Mediterranean Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Finishing
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Cook the beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
If there’s excess fat, carefully drain some of it.
2. Add onion and garlic
Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Add the peppers
Add the red and yellow bell peppers.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still have some texture.
4. Add zucchini
Stir in the diced zucchini.
Add:
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes and spinach
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
If using Kalamata olives, stir them in now.
6. Finish with lemon
Turn off the heat.
Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
7. Add feta
Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top just before serving.
Serve immediately.
Serving Ideas
Serve the stir-fry with:
- Brown or white rice
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Bulgur
- Warm pita bread
- Roasted potatoes
- Cauliflower rice
- A simple Greek salad
For a Mediterranean-style bowl, layer quinoa + beef stir-fry + cucumber + feta + Greek yogurt + lemon.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
- Use lean ground beef so the dish isn’t overly greasy.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini; it should remain slightly firm.
- Cook the vegetables in stages rather than overcrowding the pan.
- Fresh lemon juice at the end really brightens the flavors.
- Add feta just before serving so it stays creamy and crumbly.
Easy Variations
Ground Chicken
Replace the beef with ground chicken or turkey.
Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
More Filling
Add 1 cup drained chickpeas or white beans.
Mediterranean Vegetable
Add diced eggplant or mushrooms.
Extra Garlicky
Use 4 cloves of garlic and finish with fresh parsley.
Nut & Allergy Information
The recipe as written contains no peanuts or tree nuts.
Potential allergens:
- Dairy, if using feta
- Check packaged olives and seasonings for allergen information.
Dairy-Free
Simply omit the feta or use a suitable dairy-free alternative.
Gluten-Free
The stir-fry itself is naturally gluten-free. Serve with rice, quinoa, or certified gluten-free sides.
For anyone with a serious food allergy, check all packaged ingredients for allergen and cross-contact information.
Recipe Q&A
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first if possible to prevent excess water in the skillet.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works very well with the same Mediterranean seasoning.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook completely, cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container.
How long do leftovers last?
Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in airtight portions for up to about 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Can I make it low-carb?
Yes. Serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside a green salad instead of rice, couscous, or pita.
Can I add cheese other than feta?
Yes. Goat cheese or a little grated Parmesan can work, although feta gives the most Mediterranean flavor.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, without feta or a grain side:
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal
- Protein: ~30–34 g
- Carbohydrates: ~15–18 g
- Fat: ~22–25 g
- Fiber: ~4–5 g
Nutrition is approximate and varies with the beef’s fat content and optional ingredients.
Social Media Caption
MEDITERRANEAN GROUND BEEF STIR-FRY 🌿
Juicy seasoned ground beef tossed with colorful peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, Mediterranean herbs, and fresh lemon—finished with creamy feta! 😍
One pan + 30 minutes = an easy family dinner! ❤️