Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish); Juice of 1 lemon

I love this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry because it’s a quick, flavorful meal packed with vibrant veggies, bold spices, and a fresh lemony finish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when I want something satisfying but light, with a lovely Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lemon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned.

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.

Add dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Mix in the cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and lemon juice.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or mint. Serve warm over rice, quinoa, or inside pita bread.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, making it a total of 25 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

For a lighter version, I use lean ground beef or swap it out for ground turkey.

To make it vegan, I replace the beef with cooked lentils and omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.

I sometimes add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.

If I want a little extra heat, I sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.

For a more Mediterranean flavor, I might add a splash of red wine vinegar or a handful of fresh spinach at the end.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the veggies crisp and the beef tender. It also reheats well in the microwave but I cover it to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great and makes the dish a bit lighter. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you serve it over rice or quinoa. Just avoid pita bread unless you use a gluten-free variety.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

I recommend making it fresh for the best texture, but you can cook the beef and veggies ahead, then add the fresh cucumber, feta, and lemon juice just before serving.

What can I serve this with?

I love serving it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or stuffing it into pita bread for a handheld option. It also pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for feta?

Yes, you can use vegan feta cheese or simply skip the cheese and add extra olives or a drizzle of tahini for creaminess.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is one of my favorite quick meals that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed. The combination of savory beef, fresh veggies, and tangy lemon creates a balanced dish that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for busy days when I want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. I always have the ingredients on hand, making it a reliable go-to in my meal rotation.