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Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowls - Fresh, Fast, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Beef: 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean beef)
  • For the Bowl Base: 3 cups cooked basmati rice, brown rice, couscous, or quinoa
  • Or 6 cups chopped romaine, baby spinach, or mixed greens
  • Fresh Toppings: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Sauces and Extras: 1 cup tzatziki (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup hummus (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep your base: Cook rice, couscous, or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. If using greens, wash, dry, and chop.
  2. Chop the veggies: Halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and chop herbs. Keep everything in separate bowls for easy assembly.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil if needed. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned with crispy edges, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add aromatics and spices: Stir in onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Fresh finish: Turn off heat and stir in a squeeze of lemon and half the chopped parsley or dill for brightness.
  6. Make a quick vinaigrette (optional): Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Toss with the tomatoes and cucumbers for extra zing.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of your base to each bowl. Top with spiced beef, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta. Add a dollop of tzatziki and hummus. Finish with herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
  8. Serve: Drizzle with a little olive oil if you like. Eat warm or at room temperature.