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Mediterranean Beef Bowl

Quick Mediterranean Beef Bowls Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Rinse the quinoa and simmer it with the water or broth, covered, until all liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, the first 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and the black pepper. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Whisk together the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, the second 1/2 tsp oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Crumble the feta.
  5. To serve, divide the quinoa among bowls, top with the spiced beef, then add the fresh toppings and feta. Drizzle with the lemon-herb dressing and serve right away.

Notes

Cook the quinoa and beef ahead of time and store them separately; assemble the bowls just before eating so the vegetables stay crisp. A small pinch of sugar in the dressing can soften any sharp lemon bite if needed.