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Ground beef stir fry with zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, topped with a slice of lemon and fresh parsley.

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry (Easy One-Pan Dinner with Veggies, Herbs & Lemon)

Molly
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, one-pan meal that’s high in protein, low in carbs, and bursting with bold flavor. Made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, it's a healthy weeknight dinner inspired by the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or low-carb dinners, this dish brings vibrant flavor and clean ingredients to your table in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85% lean or higher
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 zucchini halved and sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: feta cheese olives, red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until fully browned, about 7–9 minutes.
  • Push beef to one side and add red onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add zucchini and bell pepper, stirring everything together. Cook 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
  • Stir in cherry tomatoes, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 3 more minutes until tomatoes soften.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skillet. Sprinkle in parsley and stir well.
  • Serve warm, with optional crumbled feta, olives, or red pepper flakes.

Notes

Secret Tips for Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

1. Season in layers: Instead of dumping all the spices at once, add the garlic, onion, and herbs first, then finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley. This builds depth in your Mediterranean ground beef and keeps the flavors vibrant.
2. Don’t skip the olive oil: Using good-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference in a one-pan stir fry. It enhances the veggies and beef, adding that authentic Mediterranean flavor you’d find in homemade comfort food recipes.
3. Use colorful veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach not only make your ground beef stir fry healthier but also bring a fresh, bright contrast that balances the savory beef.
4. Keep it juicy with lemon: A splash of fresh lemon at the end cuts through the richness of the beef and garlic, giving your stir fry that signature Mediterranean zest.
5. Make it meal-prep friendly: This one-pan dinner keeps well for days. Store in airtight containers and pair with rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread for quick Mediterranean bowls all week.
6. Garnish like a pro: Finish your stir fry with crumbled feta or a drizzle of tzatziki for a creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the ground beef, herbs, and lemon.
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