Description
Mediterranean Beef Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring spiced ground beef cooked with aromatic vegetables, served over warm whole grains, and topped with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and olives. The optional harissa oil adds a smoky, spicy kick, while the creamy tahini or feta dressing offers a perfect finish. This recipe balances hearty protein with fresh, bright Mediterranean flavors for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Harissa Oil (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
Beef Bowl
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baharat
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
To Serve
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 3 Persian cucumbers, diced
- Kosher salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 radishes, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Castelvetrano or kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 cups cooked whole grains (bulgur, farro, barley, or brown rice), warmed
- Tahini Sauce or Creamy Feta Dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Harissa Oil (optional). In a small skillet over medium heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil. Stir in the harissa paste and Aleppo pepper flakes until fully combined. Set aside to cool and infuse flavors.
- Cook the Vegetables. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add finely chopped onion, garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes until vegetables are fragrant and softened. Stir in the tomato paste and water, blending well.
- Cook the Ground Beef. Add the lean ground beef to the vegetable mixture and season with an additional pinch of kosher salt. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef turns fully brown and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. If using fattier beef, drain excess fat at this point. Stir in the baharat and smoked Spanish paprika and cook for a few more minutes to develop flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Toppings. Combine the diced Roma tomatoes and Persian cucumbers in a bowl. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently to combine.
- Assemble and Serve. Divide the warmed cooked whole grains evenly among six serving bowls. Top each with the spiced ground beef mixture. Drizzle some of the prepared harissa oil if using, followed by tahini sauce or creamy feta dressing. Garnish with the tomato-cucumber mix, sliced radishes, fresh cilantro or parsley, and pitted Castelvetrano or kalamata olives. Serve any remaining sauces and toppings on the side for added customization.
Notes
- Shop this recipe: Browse quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, baharat spice blend, smoked paprika, olives, harissa paste, and Aleppo pepper flakes to enhance your dish.
- See essential guides for cooking whole grains like bulgur, farro, barley, and brown rice to perfection.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
