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Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl Recipe

Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl Recipe

5 from 12 reviews

A vibrant and hearty Greek-style beef and zucchini rice bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed zucchini, and a zesty rice base, complemented by fresh Mediterranean toppings like feta, tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Greek Beef

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Zucchini & Veggies

  • 2 medium zucchinis (diced or sliced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Rice Base

  • 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

Optional Toppings

  • Feta cheese (crumbled)
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Cucumber (diced)
  • Kalamata olives
  • Tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Greek Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir in dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 7 to 10 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and starts to get slightly crispy. Finish by stirring in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, then set the beef aside.
  2. Sauté the Zucchini and Veggies: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced or sliced zucchini and season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the zucchini is tender and lightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Prepare the Rice Base: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked basmati or jasmine rice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, juice of half a lemon, and freshly chopped parsley. Toss well to evenly coat the rice and infuse it with fresh citrus and herb flavors.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Place a generous serving of the lemon-parsley rice as the base in each bowl. Top the rice with the cooked Greek beef and sautéed zucchini.
  5. Add Optional Toppings: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce to add a creamy, tangy finish.
  6. Serve: Serve the Greek-style beef and zucchini rice bowls warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground lamb for beef to make it more traditionally Greek.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes to taste.
  • Use gluten-free rice to keep the dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a low-fat option, use lean ground beef or turkey instead.
  • Adding fresh mint or dill to the rice base is a great way to customize the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek beef bowl, zucchini rice bowl, Mediterranean beef recipe, healthy beef bowl, Greek dinner recipe