This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutrient-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining juicy ground beef with fresh vegetables, warm spices, and a hint of feta, this dish offers a delicious balance of protein, fiber, and bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether served over rice, quinoa, or tucked into a pita, it’s a satisfying and versatile dish the whole family will love.
What Is Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry?
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a one-pan dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and Mediterranean spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. It’s finished with a sprinkle of feta and fresh herbs, adding a burst of freshness and tangy flavor. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome, well-rounded dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutrient-Rich – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from fresh vegetables and chickpeas.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup for maximum convenience.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, quinoa, or in a pita for a meal that fits your preferences.
- Bold Mediterranean Flavors – A delicious mix of warming spices, fresh herbs, and tangy feta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (85g) canned chickpeas, drained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Season the Beef
Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
4. Add the Vegetables
Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
5. Finish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using). Garnish with fresh parsley or mint and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions
- Over Grains – Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a hearty meal.
- Stuffed in Pita – Fill a warm pita with the stir-fry for a delicious wrap.
- With a Side Salad – Pair with a Greek salad or a simple cucumber yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
- Let the stir-fry cool completely, then store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Make It Vegetarian – Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
- Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor.
- Extra Greens – Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes! Cook dried chickpeas beforehand or use pre-cooked chickpeas for convenience.
What can I substitute for zucchini?
You can use eggplant, mushrooms, or yellow squash as great alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a fast, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s easy to customize to your taste. Whether served with grains, wrapped in pita, or enjoyed on its own, it’s a go-to dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table. Try it out and let me know how you like it!
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Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal loaded with seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and warm spices. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that pairs well with rice, quinoa, or pita. With a touch of feta and fresh herbs, this dish brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (85g) canned chickpeas, drained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef.
Toss in the red bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but slightly crisp.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using). Garnish with fresh parsley or mint and serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy over rice, quinoa, or in a warm pita.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lamb, or make it vegetarian with lentils or plant-based meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving