This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is the kind of weeknight hero we all need: fast, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile. It brings together the rich savoriness of seasoned ground beef with the fresh, vibrant crunch of bell peppers, all kissed with warm spices and a hint of olive oil. Think of it as your low-effort ticket to a satisfying, home-cooked dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Whether you pile it into a pita, spoon it over rice, or enjoy it straight from the pan, this dish delivers that comforting, Mediterranean essence—garlic, parsley, and all. The mix of textures and colors makes it not just delicious but beautiful on the plate, too.
Ingredients for this Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Spices and Vegetables
Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef. Toss in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the stir fry and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Give it a quick toss and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well and keeps the dish lighter. Just note the flavor will be milder.
What sides go well with this stir fry?
Rice, couscous, warm pita, or even a simple green salad are perfect pairings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach make great additions.
How spicy is this dish?
This version isn’t spicy, but you can add chili flakes or harissa if you want heat.
Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Very much so. It’s quick to cook, easy to store, and reheats beautifully.
Can I serve this cold?
You can enjoy it cold in wraps or as a topping for a grain bowl.

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Skip the takeout and bring bold Mediterranean flavor straight to your table with this easy dinner recipe. This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a colorful, healthy, and delicious meal idea you’ll come back to again and again. With lean ground beef, crunchy bell peppers, and vibrant herbs, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or even healthy meal prep.
With warm spices like cumin, paprika, and a hint of cinnamon, each bite delivers savory richness with bright, aromatic freshness. This easy recipe comes together in one skillet and is perfect for anyone craving Mediterranean food ideas that are fast, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Toss in diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice if using. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner