Name: Weeknight Mediterranean Beef Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 mini cucumbers, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 1½ cups chicken stock or bone broth; 1 cup dry jasmine rice, rinsed well; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 (14-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; ¼ tsp dried dill; 1 cup hummus (or more to taste); ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or more to taste); Chopped parsley and chives, for topping; Pickled onions, for topping

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Short Description

Weeknight Mediterranean Beef Bowls are a vibrant, balanced meal featuring fluffy jasmine rice with chickpeas, savory seasoned ground beef, crisp fresh veggies, creamy hummus, tangy pickled onions, and feta. Ready in under 40 minutes, this colorful dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced and filling: Includes protein, carbs, and healthy fats in one bowl.
Quick to make: Perfect for busy weeknights with under 40 minutes of prep and cooking.
Customizable: Easily swap proteins or toppings to suit your taste.
Fresh Mediterranean flavors: Herbs, hummus, and feta make every bite vibrant.
Meal prep friendly: Components can be stored separately for easy lunches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 mini cucumbers, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1½ cups chicken stock or bone broth
1 cup dry jasmine rice, rinsed well
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried dill
1 cup hummus (or more to taste)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or more to taste)
Chopped parsley and chives, for topping
Pickled onions, for topping

Directions

Prep vegetables: Slice cucumbers and quarter tomatoes; set aside.
Cook rice: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring chicken stock to a boil. Add rice with a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Adjust liquid if needed per rice package instructions.
Add chickpeas: Stir chickpeas into cooked rice. Cover to keep warm.
Cook beef: While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear on one side, flip, and sear again. Break into crumbles using a wooden spoon or meat masher. Stir in garlic powder, oregano, and dill. Continue cooking until browned and fat has cooked off. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble bowls: Spread about 3 tablespoons of hummus in the bottom of each serving bowl. Add a scoop of rice and chickpeas, then a scoop of beef.
Top: Garnish with cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled onions, feta, parsley, and chives. Serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~25 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for spiced lentils or falafel.
Grain swap: Use quinoa, bulgur, or couscous instead of rice.
Extra veggies: Add roasted peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
Different protein: Try ground lamb, chicken, or turkey.
Spicy kick: Add harissa or crushed red pepper to the beef.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm rice and beef in the microwave or on the stovetop; assemble fresh toppings before serving.
Freezing: Beef and rice can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I Use Brown Rice?

Yes—just increase cooking time and liquid according to package instructions.

What’s The Best Hummus Flavor For This Recipe?

Classic, roasted garlic, or lemon hummus pairs well.

Can I Use Canned Lentils Instead Of Chickpeas?

Yes—drain and rinse before adding to the rice.

Do I Have To Use Jasmine Rice?

No—any long-grain rice works, but jasmine adds a fragrant aroma.

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Yes—omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

How Do I Make It Spicier?

Add chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef.

Can I Make This Ahead For Lunches?

Yes—store in separate containers and assemble just before eating.

Is This Gluten-Free?

Yes—just make sure all ingredients, including hummus, are certified gluten-free.

Can I Serve It Cold?

Yes—it works well as a chilled Mediterranean-style rice salad.

What Other Toppings Work Well?

Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and tzatziki are great additions.

Conclusion

Weeknight Mediterranean Beef Bowls are a quick, wholesome, and flavorful dinner option that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With fresh vegetables, savory beef, creamy hummus, and tangy feta, this dish brings Mediterranean flair to your table any night of the week.

Maggie