Description
This vibrant Mediterranean Beef Bowl recipe combines tender spiced ground beef with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and optional harissa oil for a colorful and flavorful meal. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it features aromatic spices like baharat and smoked paprika, paired with crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and a creamy tahini or feta dressing. Wholesome and easy to assemble, these bowls deliver a balanced combination of protein, veggies, and grains with a delightful Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Harissa Oil (Optional)
- 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: In a small skillet, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the harissa paste and Aleppo pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and set aside to cool; this will infuse the oil with spicy, smoky flavors.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir regularly and cook until the vegetables become fragrant and soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and water to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook, stirring often, until it browned well, about 5 to 7 minutes. If using fattier beef, drain excess fat at this point. Stir in baharat and smoked Spanish paprika, cooking for a few more minutes until the beef is fully cooked through with no pink remaining. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Toppings: In a bowl, toss the diced Roma tomatoes and Persian cucumbers with a pinch of kosher salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance freshness and flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the warmed whole grains evenly into serving bowls. Top each with the seasoned ground beef. Drizzle some of the prepared harissa oil over the beef if using. Add a spoonful of tahini sauce or creamy feta dressing on top. Finish by layering the fresh vegetable mix, chopped herbs, olives, and sliced radishes. Serve any remaining sauces, veggies, and olives on the side for additional customization.
Notes
- Shop quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oil, baharat spice blend, smoked paprika, olives, harissa paste, and Aleppo pepper to elevate flavor.
- For the whole grains, see essential cooking guides for bulgur, farro, barley, and brown rice to ensure perfect texture and timing.
- Use lean ground beef or drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Harissa oil is optional but adds a wonderful spicy depth to the bowls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
