If you’re a regular reader of A Cedar Spoon, you’ll know my deep affection for Mediterranean-inspired recipes. The cuisine’s emphasis on fresh produce, healthy fats, and distinct spice blends truly captivates me. I especially adore the complexity and warmth that spices like cinnamon, allspice, clove, and cumin bring to these dishes, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This culinary philosophy is at the heart of today’s recipe.

I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the Ohio Beef Council to bring you this incredible Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet. It’s designed to be a quick and incredibly easy weeknight meal, ensuring you can have a wholesome, flavorful dinner on your table in under 30 minutes. This recipe showcases how versatile and delicious ground beef can be when paired with the right Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients.

This delightful ground beef recipe masterfully blends succulent ground beef with an aromatic symphony of warm spices, including cinnamon, oregano, allspice, clove, and cumin. These spices are perfectly balanced with the freshness of colorful vegetables, a generous scattering of fresh herbs, and the creamy, salty tang of feta cheese. I find this dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which beautifully absorbs all the rich, savory juices. You’ll appreciate how the lean ground beef provides a fantastic source of protein, making it not only healthy but also an affordable choice for any family meal.

For those who have enjoyed my Mediterranean Zucchini Boats, this Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet will feel familiar yet fresh. It also fondly reminds me of a deconstructed version of Lebanese Stuffed Kousa Squash, a comforting dish from my childhood. It captures similar authentic flavors in a more accessible and quicker preparation.

If you’re a fan of versatile and flavorful ground beef recipes, you absolutely must add this skillet to your rotation. And while you’re at it, be sure to explore some of my other popular creations like the Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet, Mexican Beef Zucchini, authentic Arayes, savory Beef Kafta Kabob Recipe, traditional Lebanese Meat Pie Recipe, or the layered goodness of this Ground Beef Layered Hummus. These easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy schedules and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love this Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet will quickly become a cherished recipe in your household. Its inherent adaptability is a huge plus; I often enjoy serving it with fragrant jasmine rice or basmati rice, allowing the grains to soak up the rich juices. For those seeking a low-carb alternative, it pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, making it a truly versatile meal for various dietary preferences. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Here are even more reasons this Mediterranean ground beef skillet is an absolute must-try dish:

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Solution: This one-skillet wonder is a dream for busy evenings. It demands very little hands-on preparation, and all the ingredients come together quickly in a single pan. From start to finish, you can have a wholesome, flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes, freeing up your valuable time.
• Incredibly Versatile Recipe: The beauty of this Mediterranean skillet lies in its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your personal tastes or whatever fresh produce you have on hand. Feel free to bulk up the meal with a variety of heart-healthy vegetables, adding more nutrients and texture to every serving. It’s a fantastic way to utilize seasonal ingredients.
• Explosion of Great Flavor: What truly sets this dish apart is its unique and authentic flavor profile. The carefully selected blend of warm Mediterranean spices, including earthy cumin, sweet cinnamon, and aromatic allspice, creates a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. These spices work in perfect harmony, making each bite a delightful experience for your taste buds.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and beneficial chickpeas, this skillet meal is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s naturally low in carbs (especially when served with veggie alternatives) and high in protein, making it a satisfying and health-conscious choice for any meal plan.
• Affordable Family Meal: Ground beef is a budget-friendly protein, and when combined with readily available vegetables and pantry staples, this recipe becomes an economical way to feed your family without compromising on taste or quality.

Skillet meals, in general, are a fantastic and affordable way to prepare delicious dinners for your family with minimal fuss and cleanup. If you love the convenience and flavor of one-pan dishes, you should also check out some of my other favorites: this delightful Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet, the savory Mediterranean Skillet Chicken, the comforting Bruschetta Chicken Orecchiette Pasta, or this easy One Pot Chickpea Kale Pasta Recipe. Each offers unique flavors and the same incredible ease of preparation.

For even more inspiration, be sure to take a look at my comprehensive guide, the 14 Must Make Mediterranean Ground Beef Recipes post, which is brimming with creative and flavorful ideas all centered around the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean.

Essential Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this incredible Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet requires a few fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a closer look at the key components you’ll need to gather:

• Bell Peppers: I typically opt for a colorful combination of red bell peppers and yellow bell peppers, as they add both sweetness and visual appeal to the dish. However, feel free to use any color of bell pepper you prefer, including green or orange, or a mix of all for an even more vibrant skillet. They provide a lovely crunch and essential nutrients.
• Zucchini: A small, diced zucchini adds a delicate texture and earthy flavor to the mix. If you’re looking for a low-carb twist or want to experiment with texture, you could substitute diced zucchini with zucchini noodles. Just remember that zucchini noodles cook much faster, so they should only be added towards the very end of the cooking process and simmered for just a couple of minutes to retain their al dente bite.
• Tomatoes: The robust tomato base is crucial for this Mediterranean dish. I incorporate both sweet cherry tomatoes, halved for bursts of juiciness, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smoky flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes add an extra layer of complexity. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes or even regular diced tomatoes will work perfectly.
• Beans: Chickpeas are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and are a fantastic addition to this one-skillet meal. They contribute a wonderful nutty flavor and a significant boost of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to make the dish more filling and nutritious. While you can certainly skip them if you’re not a fan, I highly recommend including them to bulk up the dish. Alternatively, white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans can be a delicious substitute for chickpeas.
• Ground Beef: For a meal that serves approximately four people, I use one pound of ground beef. My recommendation is to use 80/20 ground beef. The slightly higher fat content in 80/20 beef renders down beautifully, infusing the entire dish with a richer, more profound flavor and contributing to a more tender and juicy final product. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef can also be used, though you might want to add a little extra olive oil to compensate for less fat.
• Seasoning: The heart of this Mediterranean ground beef skillet lies in its exquisite seasoning blend. I generously flavor the ground beef and vegetables with a blend of allspice, clove, oregano, a hint of cayenne red pepper for a gentle kick, crushed red pepper for warmth, earthy cumin, and fragrant cinnamon. This particular combination of warm, aromatic spices is a hallmark of many traditional Lebanese dishes, creating an authentic and deeply satisfying taste. You’ll find these very same spices in my beloved Beef Kafta Kabob Recipe, showcasing their versatility and deliciousness.

For the precise ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card provided further below. 

Exciting Recipe Variations to Customize Your Skillet

One of the many charms of this Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base that can be easily adapted and customized to suit your dietary needs, personal preferences, or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Beef Choices: While I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for its rich flavor contributed by the fat, you can certainly opt for leaner cuts. For a lighter version, 90/10 or even 93/7 ground beef works well. Just be mindful that leaner beef may require a little extra olive oil to prevent it from drying out during cooking. You could also experiment with ground lamb or a mix of ground beef and lamb for an even more authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Add More Vegetables: This skillet is already packed with veggies, but there’s always room for more! Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating extra vegetables such as vibrant green peppers, tender Brussels sprouts, crisp green beans, earthy mushrooms, aromatic celery, or even small diced eggplant. Jarred artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) also make excellent additions, bringing a tangy, savory boost. For a quick shortcut, a frozen mixed vegetable blend can be a lifesaver on busy nights – just add it towards the end of the cooking process.
• Spice it Up (or Down!): The spice blend is key to its Mediterranean character, but don’t be afraid to adjust it to your palate. If there’s a particular spice you dislike, feel free to omit it. Conversely, if you enjoy more complex flavors, consider adding a pinch of za’atar for a tangy, herbaceous note, or sweet paprika for a mild, smoky sweetness and beautiful color. A dash of turmeric could also add warmth and health benefits.
• Cheese Swaps: Crumbled feta cheese provides a delightful salty and tangy contrast that I adore. However, if feta isn’t your favorite, or if you’re looking for an alternative, consider other options. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a nutty, umami flavor, while crumbly goat cheese offers a milder, creamier tang. A plant-based feta alternative can also work beautifully for dairy-free diets.
• Heartier Additions with Potatoes: For a more substantial and comforting meal, diced russet potatoes or sweet potatoes can be a wonderful addition to this skillet. Add them earlier in the cooking process to ensure they become tender and slightly caramelized, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the beef and spices.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh herbs truly elevate the dish, adding brightness and a burst of fresh flavor. While I love finishing with fresh parsley, you could also experiment with chopped fresh mint for a refreshing note, fresh oregano for a more intense herby flavor, or basil for a touch of sweetness. A combination of herbs can also be fantastic!
• Other Mediterranean Delights: To further enhance the authentic Mediterranean experience, consider stirring in other flavorful ingredients. Pitted Kalamata olives will add a briny depth, capers offer a salty, tangy kick, and sun-dried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated) provide a concentrated burst of sweet and savory tomato flavor.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Mediterranean Beef Skillet

Achieving a truly outstanding Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet is simple with a few expert tips. These pointers will help you maximize flavor, ensure proper cooking, and make the most of your ingredients:

• Choose Quality Ground Beef: The foundation of any great beef dish is the quality of the meat. Opt for the best quality ground beef you can find, as it will inherently contribute the most flavor to your finished skillet. While 80/20 is often recommended for flavor, ensure it’s from a reputable source.
• Proper Browning is Key: Don’t rush the browning process. Allowing the beef to properly brown in the skillet is crucial. This creates a Maillard reaction, developing deep, savory, umami flavors that significantly enhance the overall taste of your dish. Cook it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the meat instead of browning it.
• Break Up the Beef Evenly: As the ground beef cooks, use a sturdy wooden spoon, spatula, or even a potato masher to break it into small, uniform crumbles. This ensures even cooking and prevents large clumps, allowing the spices to coat every piece and the texture to be consistent throughout the dish.
• Drain Excess Fat Wisely: While some fat adds flavor (especially with 80/20 beef), most recipes benefit from draining excess grease after browning. If you’re using extra-lean ground beef (like 90/10 or 93/7), there might be little to no fat to drain. When draining, never pour hot fat down your kitchen sink drain, as it can solidify and cause severe clogs. Instead, pour it into an old tin can or a heat-safe container, allow it to cool and harden, then simply scoop it into the trash.
• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: For the best texture, aim for your vegetables to be tender-crisp. They should still have a slight bite to them rather than being mushy. This adds a delightful contrast to the softer ground beef.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt, a grind of black pepper, or an extra sprinkle of a favorite spice can make all the difference in balancing the flavors.

Delightful Serving Tips for Your Skillet

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. However, a few simple additions can elevate your dining experience and cater to various preferences. Since the dish is already so robust, I like to keep the accompanying sides light and complementary:

• Grains & Bases: The most classic pairing is with a fluffy grain. I love serving this skillet with some perfectly steamed white rice, brown rice for added fiber, pearl couscous for a delightful texture, or quinoa if you’re looking for a higher-protein and gluten-free option. For a more unique side, my Coconut Rice Salad would add an interesting flavor dimension.
• Additional Vegetables: While this skillet is already vegetable-laden, a fresh side can balance the richness. If I’m adding extras, I’d keep it to a few simple vegetable sides like my crisp Simple Garlic Parmesan Green Beans, or the vibrant and earthy Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower. A simple Greek salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a perfect fresh counterpoint.
• Low-Carb Options: For those following a low-carb diet, this dish is incredibly adaptable. Skip the rice and serve the flavorful beef mixture over a bed of tender zucchini noodles (zoodles) or fluffy cauliflower rice. Both absorb the rich flavors beautifully without adding extra carbs.
• Bread for Scooping: No Mediterranean meal is complete without something to scoop up all the delicious juices! Serve this skillet alongside warm, soft pita bread, crispy homemade pita chips for crunch, or a pillowy, freshly baked homemade naan bread.
• Complementary Dips: Enhance the experience with a selection of refreshing and flavorful dips. This skillet is fantastic alongside a creamy tahini yogurt dressing, classic hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, cooling tzatziki, or a simple, nutty tahini sauce. These dips add layers of flavor and moisture.

Ultimately, this versatile Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable meal every time.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Any leftover beef and vegetable mixture can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply warm it up gently in a hot skillet on the stovetop or briefly in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the beef.

Freezing: For longer-term storage, this skillet meal freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked beef and vegetables to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it to a piping hot temperature.

I personally prefer using 80/20 ground beef for this Mediterranean skillet. The slightly higher fat content adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps keep the dish juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can certainly opt for 85/15 or even 90/10 ground beef to minimize grease while still keeping the dish flavorful. Just remember that if using fattier beef, it’s essential to drain any excess fat after browning to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

The key to tender, juicy ground beef is to avoid overcooking it. Ground beef cooks relatively quickly, and excessive browning can indeed lead to dry, crumbly meat. Pay attention to the cooking times and remove it from direct heat once it’s cooked through. Another great tip is to add a splash of beef broth or the diced tomatoes (as per the recipe) early enough in the simmering process. The moisture from these liquids will help keep the beef succulent and flavorful.

Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. In fact, many people find that the flavors of this Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet improve overnight as the spices and ingredients have more time to meld together. You can prepare the entire dish and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before reheating gently. It’s perfect for convenient meal prep during busy weeks!