Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry (Quick & Healthy!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter taste); 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin if available); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 medium zucchini (sliced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional); salt and pepper (to taste); 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 0.5 lemon (juiced)

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Why This Recipe Became My Go-To

What if I told you that you could have a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table in just 20 minutes? That’s exactly what this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry delivers every single time. It’s become my absolute lifesaver on those crazy busy weeknights!

This vibrant one-skillet meal combines seasoned ground beef with colorful vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and bright lemon—all those gorgeous Mediterranean flavors we love. It’s healthy, it’s delicious, and the kids actually eat it without complaining!

Everything You’ll Need

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lean ground beef	1 lb	Or use ground turkey for lighter taste
Extra virgin olive oil	1 tbsp	Quality matters here!
Small onion	1, finely chopped	Red or yellow works great
Fresh garlic	3 cloves, minced	Don’t skip this—it’s key!
Red bell pepper	1, diced	Adds sweetness and gorgeous color
Medium zucchini	1, sliced	Perfect summer veggie
Cherry tomatoes	1 cup, halved	Grape tomatoes work too
Ground cumin	1 tsp	Earthy, warm flavor
Dried oregano	1 tsp	Mediterranean essential
Smoked paprika	½ tsp	Optional but amazing
Salt & pepper	To taste	Adjust as you go
Crumbled feta cheese	½ cup	That creamy, tangy magic
Fresh parsley	2 tbsp, chopped	For garnish
Fresh lemon juice	From ½ lemon	Brightens everything

How Long Will This Take?

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

That’s faster than ordering takeout—and so much healthier!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing aroma. Don’t let it brown!

Pro tip: Fresh garlic makes all the difference here. Pre-minced just doesn’t compare!

Step 2: Brown That Beautiful Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season immediately with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned and no pink remains.

Pro tip: Don’t stir constantly! Let the beef sit and develop a nice sear before breaking it up—this creates better texture and flavor.

Step 3: Toss In the Veggies

Stir in the diced red bell pepper and sliced zucchini. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re slightly softened but still have a nice bite.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for just 2 more minutes until they start to blister and release their juices. You want them soft but not mushy!

Step 4: The Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat—this is important! Stir in the fresh lemon juice and half of the crumbled feta cheese while the skillet is still warm.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley and the remaining feta scattered on top.

That squeeze of lemon at the end? It’s what makes this dish sing!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 295 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 420mg

This Mediterranean stir fry is packed with protein from the beef and healthy fats from the olive oil and feta. The colorful vegetables add vitamins A and C from the bell peppers, plus antioxidants from the tomatoes. It’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly too!

Ways to Serve This Up

Spoon this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry over fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner, or serve it alongside warm pita bread and creamy hummus for a more filling meal.

It’s amazing stuffed into lettuce wraps for a light lunch, or piled over a bed of fresh greens with cucumber and olives for a Greek-inspired salad bowl.

For meal prep, this dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors actually get better overnight!

Oops—Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Overcrowding the skillet: Too much in the pan at once leads to steaming instead of searing. Use a large skillet and give everything room to breathe!

Skipping the lemon juice: That final squeeze of fresh lemon brightens all the flavors and ties everything together. Don’t skip it!

Adding feta while cooking: Feta gets rubbery when overheated. Always add it after you turn off the heat so it stays creamy and delicious.

Overcooking the vegetables: We want crisp-tender veggies, not mushy ones. The zucchini and peppers should still have a slight bite.

Using jarred minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides so much more flavor in this simple dish. Take the extra 30 seconds to mince it yourself!

Time to Enjoy Mediterranean Flavors!

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry has honestly become one of my most-requested recipes. The combination of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and that bright pop of lemon creates something truly special—all in under 25 minutes!

It’s the kind of healthy, flavorful meal that makes everyone at the table happy. The kids love the mild flavors, and adults appreciate the Mediterranean flair. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve a dozen different ways throughout the week.

Give this recipe a try tonight and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below with your favorite way to serve it, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and healthy dinner ideas. Happy cooking!