Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl Recipe
This Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, and fluffy rice, enhanced with classic Mediterranean spices and fresh parsley, with an optional topping of salty feta cheese for a delicious finish.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Calorie
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, which helps build a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until browned, about 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Zucchini and Spices: Stir in the diced zucchini, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the zucchini softens and absorbs the spices, melding the flavors nicely.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Mix in the drained diced tomatoes. Let it cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined and heated through, making sure the rice soaks up the seasoned juices.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and if desired, add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, salty contrast.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, ideally in bowls, and enjoy a comforting Greek-inspired meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Notes
- Use brown rice for a healthier, higher-fiber option.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds a nice salty and creamy flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Greek beef bowl, zucchini rice bowl, Mediterranean ground beef recipe, easy beef dinner, one-pan meal