Easy weeknight beef dinner

A vibrant celebration of Mediterranean flavors comes together in this quick and nourishing ground beef stir fry. Juicy blistered tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fresh spinach transform simple ground beef into a colorful, veggie-packed meal that's ready in just 25 minutes. The beauty of this dish lies in its natural simplicity—no special sauce needed as the Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create their own flavorful juices that perfectly coat each bite, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without extensive prep.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed quick, protein-rich meals but was tired of my usual ground beef standbys. The Mediterranean twist was an instant hit with my family—my vegetable-resistant teenager actually asked for seconds of what he called "the fancy beef with the red stuff." Now it's in our regular rotation, especially when cherry tomatoes are at their peak of sweetness.

Ingredients That Make All The Difference

• Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness creates a light sauce when blistered. Cherry varieties work better than grape tomatoes here as they burst more readily and release more flavorful juice.
• 90% lean ground beef: The perfect balance of flavor and leanness. It provides enough fat to carry flavor without requiring draining, which can strip away taste.
• Fresh oregano: If possible, use fresh rather than dried for brighter, more pronounced herbal notes that truly capture Mediterranean essence. If using dried, use half the amount.
• Green onions: The white and green parts are used separately, with whites providing aromatic base notes and greens adding fresh finishing flavor and color.
• Crumbled feta: The creamy, briny cheese adds distinctive Mediterranean character and wonderful textural contrast to the dish. Even a small amount sprinkled on top makes a noticeable flavor impact.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin:

by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the halved cherry tomatoes and diced bell pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about a minute to begin caramelizing, then stir occasionally for another 3-4 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes will start to blister and release their juices, which forms the foundation of flavor for the entire dish. The peppers will soften slightly while maintaining some pleasant texture.

Once the tomatoes have blistered:

and begun to break down, add the minced garlic and just the white parts of the sliced green onions. Stir frequently for about one minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This brief cooking time releases the garlic's aromatics without developing any bitterness. The white parts of the green onions provide a mild onion flavor that complements rather than overwhelms the other ingredients.

Add the fresh baby spinach:

to the skillet, a couple of handfuls at a time, stirring until each addition wilts before adding more. This gradual addition prevents the spinach from spilling over the sides of the pan. Once all the spinach has wilted and significantly reduced in volume (about 2-3 minutes), transfer all the vegetables to a plate and set aside. Keeping the vegetables separate while cooking the beef ensures they retain their vibrant colors and distinct textures.

Return the skillet to the heat:

and add the ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue breaking up the meat while stirring occasionally until it's fully browned with no pink remaining, approximately 5-7 minutes. If using 80% lean beef, you may need to drain excess fat at this point, but the 90% lean beef should cook without requiring draining.

Once the beef is fully cooked:

return the reserved vegetables to the skillet, including any juices that have accumulated on the plate. These juices contain concentrated flavor that enriches the final dish. Add the green parts of the sliced green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, allowing the flavors to combine and the mixture to heat through for about 2 minutes.

Remove the skillet from heat:

and check seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving dish or portion directly onto plates. Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese, which will soften slightly from the residual heat without fully melting. The contrast between the warm stir fry and the cool, briny feta adds wonderful dimension to each bite. Garnish with the reserved green onion tops and serve immediately.

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I discovered the importance of properly blistering the tomatoes through pure trial and error. My first attempt at this dish involved adding all vegetables at once, resulting in steamed rather than caramelized tomatoes. The difference in flavor between properly blistered tomatoes and merely heated ones is remarkable—taking those extra few minutes transforms the entire dish from good to exceptional.

Versatile Serving Options

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry shines as the foundation for multiple meal variations. For a substantial dinner, serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or nutty brown rice that will absorb all the flavorful juices. For a lighter lunch option, scoop it into butter lettuce cups for fresh, crunchy wraps that are perfect for midday meals. It also makes an excellent stuffing for bell peppers—simply hollow out peppers, fill with the stir fry mixture, top with additional feta, and bake until the peppers are tender.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

This recipe excels as a meal prep option. Prepare a double batch on Sunday and transform it throughout the week: serve it traditionally with grains one night, stuff it into pitas with tzatziki sauce for lunch the next day, and top with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast later in the week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as they meld together. For best results when reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to restore moisture, and sprinkle fresh feta just before serving.

Seasonal Adaptations

While this recipe is exceptional year-round, it can be adapted to highlight seasonal produce. In summer, add diced zucchini or yellow squash along with the bell peppers. In fall, include diced eggplant, which adds meaty texture and absorbs the flavorful tomato juices beautifully. Winter versions can incorporate heartier greens like kale instead of spinach, though these may need slightly longer cooking time to tenderize properly.

I've come to treasure this recipe not just for its delicious results and quick preparation, but for how it's changed my approach to cooking with ground beef. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a humble ingredient into something so colorful and veggie-packed that it feels both nourishing and indulgent. Whether enjoyed as a simple weeknight dinner or repurposed throughout the week in different formats, this Mediterranean-inspired stir fry proves that healthy, flavorful meals don't require complicated ingredients or techniques—just thoughtful combinations of fresh, simple elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What sides go with Mediterranean beef stir fry?

This stir fry is delicious served over rice, couscous, or with warm pita bread. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb works great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed until the meat is fully cooked.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this stir fry freezes well for up to 3 months. Leave off the feta cheese before freezing and add it fresh when serving.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The recipe is still delicious without cheese!

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Zucchini, kale, eggplant, or artichoke hearts would all be delicious Mediterranean-inspired additions to this recipe.