Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

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Looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s full of bold flavors but comes together in one pan? This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is exactly what your tastebuds are craving. It combines hearty ground beef, fresh vegetables, and warm spices into a quick-cook skillet dish that feels both rustic and refined.

With its colorful medley of bell peppers, baby potatoes, and leafy greens, this stir fry celebrates the balance of nutrition and comfort. It’s naturally gluten-free, and can be adjusted for low-carb or dairy-free preferences without losing an ounce of flavor. It’s also great for meal prep or lazy Sundays when you want something fulfilling with minimal cleanup.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry, you don’t need fancy gadgets – just reliable kitchen basics:

• Large Nonstick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: This is your hero tool. A deep, wide skillet allows even cooking and lets all the ingredients sear without steaming.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your potatoes, bell peppers, and herbs.
• Wooden Spatula or Silicone Turner: These tools help toss and stir the ingredients without damaging your nonstick surface.
• Microwave or Saucepan: If you need to pre-soften potatoes, a quick microwave steam or parboil is helpful.
• Mixing Bowl (optional): For tossing greens in seasoning before finishing the stir fry.

Having everything prepped and ready (aka mise en place) will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

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Ingredients for the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

• Ground Beef (80/20 preferred): Adds richness and protein; the fat content gives the stir fry depth.
• Baby Potatoes: Tender and hearty, they soak up the seasoning and add a satisfying texture.
• Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Slightly blistered, they add juicy tang and balance the savory elements.
• Spinach or Swiss Chard: Wilted into the pan for a soft, earthy finish.
• Red Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and caramelizes beautifully.
• Garlic Cloves: Essential for the Mediterranean base flavor.
• Olive Oil: The ideal fat for sautéing and tying all the flavors together.
• Paprika, Oregano, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A spice blend that brings warmth and a hint of smokiness.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish at the end for a fresh herbal touch.

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How To Make the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes

Cut baby potatoes in half and either parboil them for 5-6 minutes or microwave with a splash of water until fork-tender. This pre-softens them so they brown beautifully in the skillet later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In your large skillet over medium-high heat, add a touch of olive oil and cook the ground beef until deeply browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed, but keep just enough to coat the base.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add sliced red onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Crisp the Potatoes

Toss in the par-cooked potatoes. Let them brown slightly by not stirring too often. Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Wilt the Greens

Stir in spinach or Swiss chard and allow to wilt for 1-2 minutes. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook just until blistered.

Step 6: Finish with Herbs

Remove from heat and top with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot!

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How to Serve and Store This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Serve this dish hot right out of the skillet, either as a standalone main or with a side of warm pita bread, lemony couscous, or a crisp cucumber salad. It also pairs well with a dollop of tzatziki or a crumble of feta if you want to lean into the Mediterranean vibes.

For storage, allow the stir fry to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave in 1-minute bursts until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this low-carb?

Swap the baby potatoes with chopped zucchini or cauliflower florets. They sear well and absorb flavor nicely without the starch.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great if you prefer leaner meat. Just add a splash of olive oil to prevent dryness.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. However, you can easily spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa sauce.

What can I use instead of spinach?

Swiss chard, kale, or even arugula can be excellent substitutes depending on what you have on hand.

Can I freeze this stir fry?

Yes, though the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze in individual portions and reheat in a skillet.

Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and even develops deeper flavor after a day. Just store in meal prep containers and refrigerate.

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Want More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you loved the flavors in this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry, here are a few more hearty recipes that feature beef in deliciously creative ways:

Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a cozy pasta night. Or go casserole-style with the Sloppy Joe Casserole — it’s a crowd-pleaser with melty cheese and saucy beef layers.

For a Tex-Mex flair, the Taco Bake Casserole brings spice and comfort in every bite. You could also check out the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt for a crispy sandwich-style meal.

And don’t miss the One Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice if you love one-pan dinners with a hint of sweetness.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner ideas board for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add a twist? Use lamb or a different green? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious what variations you try!

You can also find daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

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