Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 small red onion, sliced; ⅓ cup kalamata olives, halved; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

I absolutely love how a good stir-fry can come together with minimal effort but still deliver bold, layered flavor. This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something nourishing, vibrant, and downright satisfying. It’s packed with juicy ground beef, sautéed zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and briny olives—all tossed in warm Mediterranean spices that make the whole thing sing.

The best part? It’s fast. Like, weeknight dinner fast. I can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, and it’s bursting with colors, textures, and richness that make it feel like something special. Whether I serve it over rice, couscous, or simply on its own, it always disappears fast. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a celebration of the Mediterranean pantry—think olives, feta, fresh herbs, and hearty vegetables—all mingled with well-seasoned ground beef. It’s high in protein, naturally low in carbs (if you skip the grains), and flexible enough for leftovers or meal prep.

You’ll love it because it’s:

Ready in under 30 minutes
Made in one pan—hello, easy cleanup
Balanced with protein, veggies, and healthy fats
Customizable with what you have on hand
Great for quick dinners, packed lunches, or healthy snacks

What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?

For this Mediterranean stir-fry, I usually go with 85/15 ground beef—it has just the right balance of fat and flavor. The bit of fat adds richness and helps carry all those spices and herbaceous notes throughout the dish. You can absolutely use leaner ground beef if that’s your preference, just keep in mind that you might want to add a splash of olive oil so it doesn’t turn out dry.

And if you want to take it a step further? Try ground lamb. It brings a beautiful depth and authenticity to the Mediterranean flavor profile. Turkey or chicken will work too, but you’ll want to bump up the seasoning to make up for their milder taste.

Options for Substitutions

This dish is wonderfully flexible. Here’s how you can tweak it based on what you’ve got in your kitchen:

Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. Even crumbled tofu can work if you’re going meatless.
Vegetables: Zucchini is classic here, but eggplant, yellow squash, or spinach are great stand-ins.
Cheese: No feta? Use goat cheese or even a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
Olives: Kalamata are traditional, but green olives or capers add a similar salty punch.
Nuts: Pine nuts add great texture, but you could sub slivered almonds or chopped walnuts.
Herbs: Fresh parsley is ideal, but fresh mint or dill gives it a nice twist too.

This recipe plays nice with all kinds of swaps. Just aim for that Mediterranean balance—bright, salty, earthy, and fresh.

Ingredients for This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Each ingredient here plays a role in building that bold, Mediterranean flavor profile—nothing is wasted, and everything works together beautifully.

Ground beef: The heart of the dish, rich and savory. It soaks up the seasoning and ties everything together.
Zucchini: Adds freshness and a tender bite. It balances the richness of the beef with its light, juicy texture.
Cherry tomatoes: They bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, which lifts the whole dish.
Red bell pepper: Offers a crunchy contrast and mild sweetness.
Red onion: Gives a gentle sharpness and aromatic base to the stir-fry.
Kalamata olives: Salty, briny, and deeply flavorful—they bring a real Mediterranean punch.
Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts slightly into the warm stir-fry and adds richness.
Pine nuts: For that golden crunch and nutty finish—optional, but highly recommended.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up everything with a final herby kick.
Garlic: Because what stir-fry is complete without it? Adds depth and warmth.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing—adds flavor and richness.
Dried oregano & crushed red pepper flakes: These bring warmth, spice, and that signature Mediterranean herbiness.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors.

Each of these brings color, texture, or a hit of flavor that makes the dish exciting with every bite.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s deeply browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Once browned, transfer it to a plate, leaving any fat behind in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another small splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped red onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the zucchini next and continue to cook for another 5–6 minutes, until it’s just tender but still has a bit of bite.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Garlic

Once the zucchini has softened, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes more, just until the tomatoes begin to blister and the garlic is fragrant—careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Bring Back the Beef

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat. Stir in the kalamata olives, sprinkle the pine nuts across the top, and crumble feta cheese generously over the stir-fry. Finish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley.

Serve warm, either on its own or over couscous, rice, or quinoa.

How Long to Cook the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 to 30 minutes to cook. Here’s the breakdown:

Browning the beef: 7–8 minutes
Cooking the vegetables: 10–12 minutes
Finishing with tomatoes, olives, and cheese: 5–8 minutes

Because it’s a one-pan recipe, everything flows together smoothly. Just keep the heat at medium to medium-high so you can get that golden caramelization without burning the vegetables or drying out the beef.

Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Use a large skillet: Give your ingredients space to sear rather than steam. Overcrowding will make everything soggy.
Don’t overcook the zucchini: You want it tender but still with a little bite—it keeps the texture balanced.
Toast the pine nuts: Just a minute or two in a dry skillet brings out their natural nuttiness.
Crumble the feta last: This keeps it from melting completely and preserves those creamy, salty pops.
Use fresh herbs at the end: Add parsley just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
Let the beef brown undisturbed: Don’t stir it too much early on—let it develop that flavorful crust.

These little details make a big difference in how flavorful and fresh the final dish turns out.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple stir-fry like this, a few common pitfalls can sneak in. Keep these in mind for the best results:

Skipping the seasoning layers: Season the beef and the veggies separately to build more depth in flavor.
Overcrowding the skillet: This will steam your ingredients instead of browning them. Use a large pan or cook in batches.
Overcooking the vegetables: Especially the zucchini and tomatoes—they should stay vibrant and slightly firm.
Adding feta too early: It can melt into the dish and disappear if added while the pan is still too hot.
Forgetting to drain excess fat: If your ground beef is fatty, drain some of it before adding the veggies, or it can make the dish greasy.
Under-seasoning: The olives and feta are salty, but don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and herbs at the end.

What to Serve With Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry?

Couscous

A classic Mediterranean pairing—it’s fluffy, quick to make, and soaks up all the flavor beautifully.

Basmati Rice

Light and fragrant, rice makes this dish feel more substantial and turns it into a full meal.

Warm Pita Bread

Perfect for scooping or serving alongside—plus it adds a soft, chewy contrast to the stir-fry.

Quinoa

If you’re looking for a higher-protein base, quinoa is a great healthy option that keeps the dish gluten-free.

Greek Salad

Add a side of cucumber, tomato, and red onion tossed with olive oil and lemon to keep things fresh and crunchy.

Hummus or Tzatziki

Cool, creamy dips that pair perfectly with the warm spices and rich beef.

Roasted Potatoes

Try crispy lemon herb potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a hearty, satisfying combo.

Pickled Vegetables

A tangy counterpoint to the savory stir-fry—great for cutting through the richness.

Storage Instructions

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry stores like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: It freezes well too! Let the stir-fry cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating tip: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to revive the moisture and prevent it from drying out.

For best texture, store the feta and pine nuts separately and add them fresh when serving.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: ~410
Protein: 27g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 720mg

These numbers may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, especially the feta and olives. If you’re tracking specific macros, it’s best to plug your own version into a nutrition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ground meat can I use besides beef?

You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile. Lamb will make it taste even more traditionally Mediterranean, while turkey or chicken keep it leaner.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils. Just be sure to season them well so they soak up the flavors.

Is this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes! If you skip the rice or couscous and enjoy it on its own or with cauliflower rice, it becomes a delicious low-carb or keto-friendly option.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mildly spicy thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to heat, just leave them out—or, if you love spice, add a little extra!

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook the whole dish in advance and reheat it when needed. It’s great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for several days.

What herbs work best besides parsley?

Fresh mint, dill, or basil all work wonderfully here. You can also add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary for an earthier note.

How can I make it more filling?

Serve it over grains like farro, barley, rice, or couscous—or stuff it into pita pockets for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.

Do I have to use pine nuts?

Nope! While they add a lovely texture and nutty flavor, you can skip them or substitute with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a similar effect.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry is the kind of recipe that brings flavor, color, and comfort to your table without demanding much time or effort. It’s perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or just when you want something hearty but fresh. I love how customizable it is—whether you change the protein, toss in different veggies, or try it with a new grain, it never loses its bold Mediterranean spirit. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation.