Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use chopped mushrooms (portobello work great) for a meaty texture without the meat. Increase the olive oil slightly since you won't have the natural fat from the beef.

Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the vegetables. The onions have the highest carb content, so you could reduce the amount if you're strictly counting carbs. Each serving contains approximately 8-10g net carbs, depending on your exact vegetable quantities.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

If feta isn't your thing, try goat cheese for a similar tanginess, or use shredded mozzarella for a milder option. For a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or simply omit the cheese entirely - the dish is still delicious without it!

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Definitely! Chop all your vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. You can even brown the ground beef ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then quickly assemble the stir fry when you're ready to eat.

Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Name: Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow), sliced; 1 cup sliced zucchini; 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

This vibrant Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry brings together savory ground beef with fresh vegetables and classic Mediterranean herbs for a quick, nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this low-carb, high-protein dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the carb overload. The combination of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in about 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast!
Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein from the beef and plenty of vitamins from the colorful vegetables, all while staying low-carb for keto enthusiasts.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all the ingredients mingle together.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a standalone meal or can be served over cauliflower rice for a more substantial dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The protein star of this dish, providing richness and substance. Choose 80/20 for better flavor, or leaner if you prefer.
Onion: Creates a flavor foundation and adds natural sweetness as it cooks down.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that unmistakable aroma and depth of flavor that makes Mediterranean cooking so wonderful.
Mixed Bell Peppers: These colorful vegetables add crunch, sweetness, and a beautiful visual appeal. Use a variety of colors for the best presentation.
Zucchini: Adds tender texture while absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the other ingredients.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of juicy freshness brighten the entire dish and release their sweet-tart flavor when heated.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor – it makes a difference!
Dried Oregano and Thyme: These classic Mediterranean herbs transform a simple stir fry into something special, adding warmth and aromatic notes.
Feta Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that tangy, salty finish that brings the Mediterranean flavor profile full circle.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try ground lamb for an even more authentic Mediterranean flavor, or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat, or try a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Veggie Variations

Toss in some baby spinach at the end to wilt, add sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables, or include some black olives for extra Mediterranean flair.

Dairy-Free Option

Skip the feta and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and some nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that still packs flavor.

How to Make Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Having everything ready before you start cooking keeps the process smooth and prevents anything from overcooking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Don’t rush this step – good browning equals good flavor!

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Once your beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible!

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add your colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to maintain some texture while absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Add the Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle in the dried oregano and thyme, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything cook together for another minute to allow the herbs to bloom and release their flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from heat and immediately serve this beautiful stir fry hot. Top with crumbled feta cheese and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for that authentic Mediterranean finish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep them tender-crisp for the best texture – nobody likes mushy veggies!
Season in Layers: Add a little salt when cooking the beef, a little more with the onions, and adjust at the end for the most well-developed flavor.
Use a Large Enough Pan: Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than proper browning and caramelization. If needed, cook in batches.
Let the Beef Brown: Resist the urge to stir constantly when browning the meat – give it time to develop a nice crust before breaking it up.
Fresh Herbs Upgrade: If you have them, fresh herbs will take this dish to another level. Use twice the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this flavorful stir fry over riced cauliflower for a complete keto-friendly meal. For non-keto eaters, it’s equally delicious with quinoa or brown rice.

Garnish Options

Beyond feta and parsley, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of tzatziki sauce, or a few sliced olives on top.

Make It a Feast

For a Mediterranean spread, serve alongside a simple Greek salad, some tzatziki sauce, and keto-friendly pita bread alternatives.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight!

Freezing

Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if it seems dry. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use chopped mushrooms (portobello work great) for a meaty texture without the meat. Increase the olive oil slightly since you won’t have the natural fat from the beef.
Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the vegetables. The onions have the highest carb content, so you could reduce the amount if you’re strictly counting carbs. Each serving contains approximately 8-10g net carbs, depending on your exact vegetable quantities.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your thing, try goat cheese for a similar tanginess, or use shredded mozzarella for a milder option. For a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or simply omit the cheese entirely – the dish is still delicious without it!
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Definitely! Chop all your vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. You can even brown the ground beef ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then quickly assemble the stir fry when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy, low-carb eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. With its vibrant colors, robust flavors, and quick preparation time, it’s bound to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a nutritious, satisfying meal, this Mediterranean-inspired dish delivers on all fronts. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Print Recipe

Description

This Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful and healthy one-pan meal packed with vibrant vegetables, lean protein, and classic Mediterranean herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and fits low-carb lifestyles without compromising on taste.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and slicing the bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Set all prepared ingredients aside for easy access during cooking.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, using a spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it browns.
Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still slightly crisp.
Add the Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle the dried oregano and thyme over the stir fry, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat. Serve hot, topped with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry before serving.
Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Substitute or add other keto-friendly vegetables as desired (e.g., spinach, eggplant).
For dairy-free, omit the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.