If you’ve been on the hunt for a vibrant, satisfying, and good-for-you meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but still exciting enough to break up your usual routine, say hello to the Mediterranean ground beef bowl with tzatziki. This isn’t just another meat bowl—it’s a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors, tender seasoned ground beef, and creamy tzatziki, all nestled in a bowl of fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and briny accents like olives and feta. It hits that perfect middle ground of being comforting yet fresh, healthy yet hearty. And the best part? It takes the idea of ground beef bowls healthy to a whole new level, bringing in global inspiration without requiring anything fancy.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowl with Tzatziki
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Large skillet To cook the ground beef and let those spices bloom properly. Cast iron or nonstick works well.
Grater For prepping the cucumber in the tzatziki.
Mixing bowls One for the tzatziki and one for assembling the veggies.
Knife and Cutting Board For chopping all your fresh ingredients.
Rice cooker or pot with lid For cooking your rice base.
Serving bowls Wide, shallow bowls help with presentation and even distribution.
For the Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt full-fat or 2%
- ½ cucumber grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Bowl Base & Toppings
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ red onion diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
Optional additions
- Sliced avocado
- Hummus
- Pickled onions
- Roasted chickpeas
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the dish—this resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Cook your rice according to the package directions. Jasmine or brown rice both work well, depending on your preference. If you’re aiming for more of a grain bowl feel, quinoa or farro are excellent substitutes.
Step 3: Sauté the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onions for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fragrant, about 7–9 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Step 4: Prep the Veggies
While the beef cooks, chop your veggies: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and the red onion, and get your olives and feta ready. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint add a refreshing touch when sprinkled on top.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop some rice into each bowl, followed by a generous spoonful of the spiced ground beef. Add your tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta around the beef to make it visually appealing. Dollop with tzatziki, then top with fresh herbs.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add optional garnishes like avocado slices, pickled onions, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and fresh.
Pairings
This Mediterranean bowl pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a lemony sparkling water. If you're feeling festive, try a light Greek rosé. Want to keep it non-alcoholic? Go for a minty cucumber lemonade.
On the side, consider:
- Toasted pita chips with hummus or baba ghanoush
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted sweet potatoes with za'atar
FAQs
1. What type of ground beef should I use?
A leaner ground beef like 90/10 is perfect for this recipe. It keeps things on the lighter side but still brings rich flavor. You could also substitute ground lamb for a more traditional Mediterranean profile, or even try a blend of beef and lamb.
2. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken both work well here. If you're feeling adventurous, a Korean ground chicken bowl variation using gochujang and soy sauce could add an East-meets-West twist.
3. Is this like a beef bowl recipe from Asian cuisine?
While this Mediterranean bowl leans more toward Greek and Levantine flavors, it shares a lot with Asian beef bowl concepts in structure—rice base, protein, sauce, and fresh toppings. If you like dishes like teriyaki beef bowl or Korean beef bowl, you’ll appreciate this one too. It’s more of a globe-trotting cousin than a direct match.
4. Can I meal prep this?
Yes! The components hold up well. Store the cooked rice, beef, veggies, and tzatziki in separate containers and assemble just before eating. It's one of the better ground beef bowls healthy enough for weekday lunches without sacrificing flavor.
5. What are other beef bowl recipes I should try if I like this?
If you enjoy this, dive into other global bowls:
- A beef bulgogi bowl with sesame rice and kimchi
- A viral beef bowl with honey and soy glaze
- An easy Korean ground beef bowl with scallions and sesame oil
- A taco bowls ground beef style with avocado crema
- A hamburger bowl recipe with special sauce and shredded lettuce
- A steak bowls healthy version with chimichurri and roasted veggies
- Even a pork bowl recipe with Mediterranean or Asian-inspired flair
These bowls show just how versatile and exciting the world of ground beef bowls can be.
6. Is this dish spicy?
Not particularly. The crushed red pepper is optional, and the cooling tzatziki balances out any heat. For spice lovers, a dash of harissa or a spicy hummus can add kick.
