This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry is the perfect quick and healthy meal. Ground beef is sautéed with juicy tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, handfuls of spinach, and simple seasonings that pack it with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stir Fry
I thought long and hard on what to call this recipe since ground beef isn’t typically associated with Mediterranean food. But the colorful assortment of Mediterranean vegetables added to the ground beef give it a unique spin that’s healthier, lighter, and more veggie-packed than other ground beef stir fries. So if you’re looking for an easy stir fry that’s entirely different from your classic Asian chicken stir fry, this recipe is for you! Here’s what else you’ll love about it:
- No sauce is needed. The blistered tomatoes, combined with garlic and oregano, infuse the beef with just the right amount of flavor and juiciness. So no added sauce is needed!
- It’s made in just 25 minutes. One of the best things about stir fries is how easy they are to make. This one is no exception and it comes together really quickly.
- It’s perfect for protein-packed meal prep. With 27 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a fantastic way to boost your protein intake. Plus, I’ve included plenty of ideas below on how to meal prep this stir fry and turn it into a complete meal.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I’m using 90% lean ground beef, so there’s almost no fat to drain. But you can use 80% ground beef as well, then drain off any excess fat. You can also use ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Bell Pepper and Baby Spinach: Red bell peppers add natural sweetness and a vibrant red color to this dish, though you can use any color bell pepper you’d like. And if you don’t have baby spinach, you can use any tender leafy greens you prefer such as kale or Swiss chard.
- Cherry Tomatoes: You can use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. I prefer the latter as cherry tomatoes are much juicier and blister beautifully in a pan.
- Garlic, Green Onion, and Oregano: Aromatics and herbs give this dish a punchy, herby flavor. If you find that it needs more seasoning, feel free to add more garlic and oregano.
- Crumbled Feta: This can be optional if you’re dairy-free. Otherwise, the crumbled feta really adds a delicious Mediterranean flair.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make This Ground Beef Stir Fry
Sauté the tomatoes and bell pepper. Heat the oil in a large pan, then sauté the tomatoes and bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes, until the tomatoes are beautifully blistered. Add the garlic and stir for another minute.
Add the spinach and green onion. Make sure to only add the white parts of the green onion! Stir everything for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted. Then, remove the veggies to a plate to cook the beef.
Cook the ground beef. Add the beef, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan, and use a spatula to break up the meat. When it’s browned, drain off any excess liquid.
Combine everything! Transfer the veggies back to the pan, add the green parts of the green onion, and stir everything together. Garnish with crumbled feta before serving for the final touch!
Ways To Serve
- Make a hearty grain bowl. This is great served over rice, lentils, or quinoa for a satiating meal. You could even dollop hummus or tzatziki on the side or drizzle tahini sauce on top for the ultimate Mediterranean flair.
- Ground beef lettuce wraps. Use this as a filling for a butter leaf lettuce wrap — a great low-carb option and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it, similar to chicken lettuce wraps!
- Turn this into a protein-packed breakfast. If you’ve been looking for creative ways to incorporate more veggies and protein at breakfast, this is the way to go. Top it with a fried egg or poached egg — the oozing yolk on this is delicious.
Storage Tips
- To store for the week: This will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container, which is perfect for enjoying servings throughout the week. Just make sure to let it cool before closing the lid.
- Freeze this for later: If you’d like to make a second batch to keep stored in the freezer, don’t add the crumbled cheese on top. Freeze the rest of the ground beef stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it back up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More Easy Ground Beef Recipes
- Stuffed Peppers: Another delicious way to enjoy ground beef with bell peppers.
- Best Ever Chili: The best family-friendly one-pot meal.
- Meatloaf: The glaze on this will have you coming back for more.
- Taco Soup: This will give your classic taco night a fun twist.
- Zucchini Lasagna: One of my favorite comforting meals that’s loaded with veggies.
If you make this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Description
Equipment
- All-Clad Saute Pan My favorite stainless steel fry pan!
Ingredients
- 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 onion, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta, (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tomatoes and bell pepper. Heat the oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and cherry tomatoes and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and saucy. Add the garlic and stir another minute.
- Add the spinach. Add the spinach and white parts of the green onion. Note that the spinach will take up most of the pan, but it will wilt down. Stir for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted. Remove these veggies to a plate.
- Cook the beef. Add the ground beef, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan, and use a spatula to break up the meat. Cook the ground beef until it's browned, then drain off any excess grease.
- Garnish and serve. Transfer the veggies back to the pan, add the green parts of the green onion, and stir until warmed through. Garnish with crumbled feta before serving.
Lisa’s Tips
- Add more flavor by mixing in red pepper flakes (or other seasonings), kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Pair it with hummus or tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean flair.
- Swap the veggies for what you have on hand. Many people have swapped spinach for zucchini or kale!
- To store for the week: This will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container, which is perfect for enjoying servings throughout the week. Just make sure to let it cool before closing the lid.
- Freeze this for later: If you’d like to make a second batch to keep stored in the freezer, don’t add the crumbled cheese on top. Freeze the rest of the ground beef stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it back up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted August 2021, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
Soooooo flavorful and delicious! Thank you, Lisa!💛
I enjoyed making this Mediterranean chickpea salad!
I’m liking this for lettuce wraps!
Can’t believe how easy this recipe was to make. My meal actually looked just like the picture. I was looking for a meal with beef and vegetables that the kids would eat without picking out the vegetables. My kids ate it all.
Awesome! Always love to hear when a meal is a hit with the kiddos. :)
GREAT RECIPE.
I moved it little more towards Greece with added sliced Kalamata Olives, Mushrooms, lots more Oregano and some Greek Seasoning, Oh and of course creamy Feta. Served with Lebanese Rice. FANTASTIC
Love those tweaks! Thanks for sharing!
This is one of my favorite recipes and it’s a go-to for me most weeks. The veggies with the ground beef are delicious. Don’t forget the feta! It adds so much flavor!!! We eat it over rice or pasta. It’s always a crowd pleaser in my home!
Delicious! Used ground chicken; 1/2 kale and 1/2 spinach. Rather than oregano, I used a mixture of fresh dill, basil, and coriander plus a bit of crushed red pepper. I didn’t have scallion so used red onion as others did. I added capers which was key along with the feta. So easy – can’t wait to make again.
The first time I made this I forgot to add the seasoning to the meat so I was disappointed and didn’t plan to make it again..BUT I DID! AND IT WAS SO DELICIOUS MADE THE RIGHT WAY!! My sister especially loves it whenever I make it; it is now a weekly meal for me and my family! Thank you for this simple yet so flavorful recipe!!
Dear Lisa, what a great and delicious recipe! Thank you for it. 🥰 The hole family loved it and yes, the feta on top is key!
I served it with rice! It sure made it on our list of favorites.
Greetings from 🇩🇪 Carmen
Delicious! Now in my top 5 fave recipes. Added some mushrooms and kalamatas. Perfection!
Sounds great with those additions!
So this is one of our families favorite recipes! Especially when you can only cook so many tacos and spaghetti with ground beef—this mixes it, easy to cook and we love Greek flavors! We also put this in spinach wraps too! :)
Happy to hear the whole family loves the recipe, Amber!
I love this recipe! Tops on my quick and easy list. Since I buy a lot of things in bulk, I make a meatloaf or meatballs in the oven and then I make this on the stovetop. I have even substituted frozen peppers and onions. It comes together so well. Today I topped it with goat cheese. Thank you Lisa for all you do.
Glad this recipe worked out perfectly Catherine!
I love this! I make it about once a month and it freezes well. I’d like to pair it with zucchini needles. I love how clean it is. Anyone can make this.
It truly is such a simple yet delicious recipe!
made this for dinner with diced portabellas (no meat) over orzo. DELICIOUS!
I made this stir fry and my family enjoyed it. Ground beef made it lower cost. All the veggies made it healthy. The combination, including the feta cheese, is very yummy! I will definitely be making this again.
Yes, it’s a great budget-friendly meal that elevates ground beef. So happy you loved it, Debbie!
This was so delicious!!! I made it with ground chicken.
Glad this turned out great with ground chicken instead!
Delish! Fast and easy too! I subbed with ground turkey.. so good!
Glad you enjoyed this beef stir fry Victoria!
Doubled up the recipe to freeze extra meals. This was such an easy to do tasty meal that everyone should try 🤗
Thank you!
I made this last night for dinner and my husband and I both liked it very much. I used a small regular onion because I didn’t have green ones. I will definitely be making it again. Thanks for the recipe
Glad both you and your husband enjoyed this simple dish Lynn!
Very Good! I will make this again. I ate this with a side of mashed potatoes. Next time, I’ll try pasta.
Glad you enjoyed this beef stir fry Viola!
I enjoyed that. Since I like my food spicy might add some crushed red peppers next time. Thanks for the tasty recipe.
Amazing!!! Great recipe. We will make again.
Yay, love to hear that!
Googled hamburger Mediterranean recipes and found this one, so good! Have made several times. Thanks!
How funny! Glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Made this tonight. It came out amazing. I don’t like green onions so I used sweet red onions and added calamata olives for the saltiness. With the feta the saltiness was just perfect over brown rice. I’m glad I have leftovers. Thank you for the recipe
Delicious! Added crushed chilis and didn’t use cheese (kashrut). Placed on top of hearts of palm pasta.
Made this recipe for the first time tonight. I used ground turkey and added kalamata olives. Delicious!! Luckily I doubled the recipe so I can leftovers.
So happy you loved it Lisa!
So tasty and super easy! I used ground turkey instead and it was delicious. Thank you!!
I made this as written. We didn’t find this recipe to have much flavor. The feta definitely helps. The more the better.
Sooo good! The only change I made was adding zucchini. This recipe will definitely be added to the rotation!
This was very simple, quick to throw together, and the results were very delicious. Served over a bed of rice as suggested and it made for a very filling entree. Cannot wait to have the leftovers tomorrow.
This was really good and I’ll definitely make again. Once the meat was cooked, I added 1 cup cooked quinoa to bulk it up. Next time I’ll double the recipe because I want leftovers!
Made it again. Better than I remembered! I had to sub red onion for green, but it was fine.
If you like black olives they would take it up a notch. I’ll do it next time.
Excellent. So easy, so healthy, so good!
Love this dish. Super easy and is great as leftovers. I usually serve it over some Haiga Rice and often use Bison instead of Beef.
This recipe is downright one of the best recipes to have in your recipe arsenal/folder…specifically with ground beef. It’s easy to get in a rut with ground beef recipes (tacos/sloppy joes/meatballs/etc.) but this recipe is a mainstay in our rotation now and it’s easy to make with +/- any amount ingredient listed. As previous review recommended, we add Kalamata olives when stirring in the green onions at the end and love the addition combined with the feta…well done with this recipe construction.
Very simple and tasty. I served it over brown rice.
This recipe is so Delicious and so nice to have something different then your Traditional tacos. I do add some Greek seasoning to the dish while it cooks. Then we use plain Greek yogurt instead is sour cream on are hard shells and It turns out very flavorful each time.
How can something so simple be so flavoursome! I made this, but did not have Spinach. Looking in the fridge I had a large packet of fresh coriander leaves. So I decide to just use it up. The fragrance of the Oregano and Coriander might have clashed, but it did not affect our impression of the dish. Absolutely delicious! We then grilled some Ciabatta Bread with Black Olives in them, stuffed loads of this in between with the cheese on top. Made a terrific meal. Kids loved it so much they want it again!
That’s the beauty of simple dishes with the right ingredients! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Mine is a question, I only have boneless chicked thighs, would that work?
I think ground chicken might be a bit better, as boneless skinless chicken thighs will need a bit more seasoning for more flavor.
Fast, clean simple ingredients. ❤️ delicious
Made this for my family. I didn’t have Spinach so i substituted with Kale. Other than that I followed the Recipe. Everyone in my family loves this Recipe. Def going to be one of the recipes we go back to.
Thank you for this recipe. Look forward to making it again.
Glad the whole family enjoyed this simple stir fry recipe Desiree!
Hello! Can I make this dish with ground pork? It’s what I have in the freezer at the moment. Will it alter the taste? Thank you and love getting your emails!
Absolutely! You can sub it for ground pork, lamb, or even turkey if you’re not a fan of red meat.
We really loved this and love Meditteranean cuisine but we did find it bland. We will definitely make this again but we will add double the oregano and maybe some basil and cumin. We did add kalamata olives as a personal preference. We have tried many of your recipes and love them all. Thank you.
This is just a basic stir fry that can always be tweaked with additional spices and ingredients to make it even heartier :)
Made this tonight expecting to have leftovers. Not a chance! Served it over 1/2 cup of rice and it was a huge hit! Very filling, delicious, and healthy. I chopped the spinach which eliminated stems in each mouthful. This recipe is in my “KEEP” book now! Next time I might throw some Kalamata olives in it.
Olives would be a great Mediterranean touch to this!
I’m not even sure my last review had time enough to be posted and I’ve already made this again!!! So good!! This time my daughter requested it be tried with ground chicken and was just as good!! This will be added to our weekly rotation!! And such an easy, one pot recipe – can’t beat it!!!
Amazing! Thanks for leaving a review Christine :)
This was so amazing! I come from a large family, and as a result, I always cook meals way bigger than I should and have tons of leftovers (cooking for 3 but making enough to feed 8 or 9). With this, I barely had enough for ONE! My fiancé told me that I HAVE to triple the recipe next time. This is a definite keeper! The only change I made was adding parmesan instead of feta cheese (it’s what I had on hand). Super easy to make, doesn’t take too long, and healthy! Definitely amazing!
Thrilled to hear this stir fry was a success Charlie! :)
This was delicious, this will be on repeat! Thanks Lisa!
We prepared this dish for dinner recently and everyone loved it! All of the ingredients are readily available. It was simple to make. The dish is pleasing to the eye and it was really good! It will be a regular at home and when camping.
Happy to hear you loved this stir fry Dianne!
This was great. Entire family liked it so it is on rotation here! If I leave the feta cheese out, how drastically does the sodium get reduced?bi would like to make this for my friend but she is on a low sodium diet.
You can omit the feta cheese if you’d like! But, I’m not sure exactly how much sodium would be reduced, and if it’s enough for your friend. I would have your friend use a separate calculator for that if she has one :)