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Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowl with tzatziki

Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowl with Tzatziki

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 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.

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Ingredients
  

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

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Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Tzatziki

  1. 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.
    small mixing bowl on a clean kitchen countertop

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. 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

  1. 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.
    skillet filled with fully cooked, browned ground beef

Step 4: Prep the Veggies

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. Add optional garnishes like avocado slices, pickled onions, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and fresh.

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