Go Back

High Protein Mediterranean Beef Bowls - Fresh, Filling, and Weeknight Friendly

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Beef
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–95% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • For the Bowls
  • 2 cups cooked farro, brown rice, or quinoa (warm)
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach or chopped romaine
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0%)
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, very finely grated
  • 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
  • Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook your grain base. Prepare farro, brown rice, or quinoa according to package directions. Keep it warm. Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
  2. Make the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. Chill while you cook the beef.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then the diced onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no pink remains.
  5. Finish with lemon. Turn off the heat and squeeze in the lemon juice. Stir to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Prep the fresh toppings. Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, slice the olives and red onion, and chop the herbs. Crumble the feta.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Add a layer of warm grains to each bowl. Top with a handful of greens. Spoon on the seasoned beef. Add cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta.
  8. Finish with sauce and herbs. Drizzle the lemon herb yogurt sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill. Add a final crack of black pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil if you like.