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 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon ground paprika; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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I love how this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry brings together the bold, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean in one quick and easy dish. It’s a savory stir fry loaded with ground beef, olives, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese—a perfect dinner when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon ground paprika

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then I add the ground beef, breaking it up with my spoon as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. After draining any excess fat, I toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens.

Next, I add the chopped bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and the dried oregano, cumin, and paprika. I let everything cook together for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the tomatoes release their juices.

Once everything looks tender, I season with salt and pepper to taste. Then I sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and cook it for one more minute so it melts slightly into the mix.

Finally, I remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I can have a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired dinner on the table in just 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground lamb or turkey if I want a different protein twist. Adding some chopped spinach or zucchini along with the bell pepper is a great way to sneak in extra veggies. For a spicier kick, I like to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when I add the spices. If feta isn’t my favorite, goat cheese or ricotta salata work wonderfully as alternatives.

Storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the vegetables and keep the beef juicy. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though I recommend adding fresh feta and parsley after thawing and reheating to maintain their fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?

Absolutely! Fresh oregano will add a brighter flavor—just use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano instead of dried.

What can I serve this stir fry with?

I like serving it over rice, couscous, or even a bed of greens for a lighter option.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that still packs plenty of protein and flavor.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something quick, tasty, and a little different from the usual weeknight meals. The combination of spices, fresh veggies, and tangy feta gives it a wonderful depth of flavor without needing complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a family, it’s a reliable go-to that never disappoints.

Recipe:

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick and flavorful Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry combining ground beef, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese with aromatic spices for a satisfying and vibrant meal.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until onion softens.
Add chopped bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, dried oregano, ground cumin, and paprika.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables soften and tomatoes release juices.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the mixture and cook for 1 more minute to slightly melt the cheese.
Remove skillet from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.