Quick Mediterranean Feast: 25-Minute Ground Beef & Veggie Stir Fry

Mediterranean Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry in 25 Minutes

Introduction

If you’re after a quick dinner that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, this Mediterranean Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is the answer. With vibrant veggies, rich ground beef, fragrant garlic, and a tangy finish of lemon and herbs, this one-pan wonder comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave Mediterranean-inspired comfort food without the wait.

Why This Mediterranean Stir Fry Will Become a Weeknight Staple

What makes this stir fry stand out is its blend of zesty and fresh ingredients, layered with savory ground beef and finished with a punch of Mediterranean herbs. It’s a true crowd pleaser: hearty, colorful, and packed with nutrients—yet on the table faster than takeout. The straightforward technique means you get wholesome, restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

The Perfect Mediterranean Veggie Mix

This recipe pairs classic Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with wilted spinach for a satisfying texture and a boost of fiber and vitamins. You can easily mix and match with whatever is in season—think eggplant, mushrooms, or even broccoli for extra color and crunch.

Tips for Flavorful Ground Beef

Sauté the beef with a generous sprinkle of dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin for authentic Mediterranean undertones. Draining excess fat ensures the dish doesn’t get greasy, while a generous squeeze of lemon near the end brightens every bite. If you want more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions for a Vibrant, Balanced Meal

Serve this stir fry over fluffy couscous, nutty farro, or a bed of crisp romaine lettuce for a lighter twist. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add tangy creaminess and extra protein. Fresh parsley or mint as a final flourish brings delightful aroma and a pop of green.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about four generous servings. Each serving (prepared with lean ground beef) typically provides approximately 350-400 calories, plenty of protein, and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. It’s the perfect well-rounded meal for a healthy weeknight rotation.

Mediterranean Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry in 25 Minutes (Recap)

Ready in a flash, this stir fry blends lean protein, Mediterranean vegetables, and classic spices for a satisfying, colorful dish that fits perfectly into an energized weekly meal plan.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or kale)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)
Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making your grocery trips streamlined and stress-free.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add red onion and sauté for 2 minutes until beginning to soften.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and break up with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until mostly browned.
  3. Stir in the zucchini and bell peppers. Sprinkle in oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and the beef is cooked through.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted.
  5. Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry and toss well. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Top with crumbled feta and chopped parsley or mint before serving. Enjoy hot, over your favorite grain or greens.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Mediterranean stir fry is ideal for prepping ahead: vegetables can be chopped and beef seasoned in advance, so dinner is ready even faster. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly meal plan to automatically generate smart, consolidated shopping lists for all your meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all saved recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section for efficiency
– Helps you avoid duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
– Makes meal prep intentional, stress-free, and reduces food waste

Pro tip: Use CookifyAI to see how ingredients from multiple recipes overlap, ensuring you buy just what you need (for example, see at a glance how much spinach or onion is required for the week).

Cook and Prep Times

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

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