Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowl

Byrealfoodjustyna
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This Mediterranean ground beef bowl is the kind of meal I lean on when I want something wholesome, filling, and full of flavor, without overcomplicating dinner. You get warm, spiced beef, crisp fresh vegetables, briny olives, and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce that ties everything together. It's a simple build-your-own bowl situation that works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for meal prep throughout the week.

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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need for this recipe:

  • Olive oil
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • minced Ground beef (85-90% lean)
  • Ground cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground coriander
  • Dried oregano
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Zucchini, diced
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • Chopped greens (romaine, arugula, or mixed greens)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, chopped
  • Kalamata olives, sliced
  • Feta cheese, crumbled
  • Plain Greek yogurt

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Here is the step by step process on how to make this recipe:

  1. Cook the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Brown and season the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.
  3. Add the zucchini: Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until tender but still holding its texture. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and remove from heat.
  4. Make the yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice and greens between bowls. Top with the warm ground beef mixture, followed by tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and crumbled feta.
  6. Finish and serve: Drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce and serve right away.

Substitutions

A few simple swaps can help you tailor this bowl to what you have on hand while still keeping those fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors intact:

  • Ground beef - ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
  • Rice - quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice depending on your preference
  • Greek yogurt - dairy-free yogurt to keep it dairy-free
  • Feta - goat cheese or omit entirely
  • Zucchini - eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms
  • Kalamata olives - green olives or capers

Variations

There are so many ways to make this bowl your own depending on what you have on hand or what your family loves:

  • Spicy - add chili flakes or a spoonful of harissa to the beef
  • Loaded veggie - add roasted eggplant, peppers, or artichokes
  • Low-carb - swap rice for cauliflower rice or extra greens
  • Mediterranean-inspired meal prep - pack everything separately and assemble fresh
  • Extra protein - add hummus or a soft-boiled egg on top

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl (for sauce)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
  • Reheating: Warm the beef and rice before assembling bowls
  • Sauce: Keep refrigerated and stir before using
  • Meal prep tip: Keep fresh toppings separate until ready to serve for the best texture

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowl

A fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bowl made with seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, all served over rice and greens for a balanced, easy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% - 90% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon dired oregano
  • kosher salt + pepper
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • lemon juice
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups chopped greens (romaine or mixed greens)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, chopped
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 small Garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Method
 

  1. Cook the beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Season and brown. Add ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add zucchini. Stir in diced zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until tender but not mushy. Finish with lemon juice. Remove from heat.
  4. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
  5. Assemble the bowls. Divide rice and greens between bowls. Top with ground beef, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta.
  6. Finish and serve. Drizzle generously with garlic yogurt sauce and serve immediately.

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