Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl

Delicious Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl topped with fresh veggies and herbs.
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If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal, the Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl is a fantastic choice! This dish combines tender ground beef with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. You can enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with one of our other delicious recipes like Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have many of the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator already.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love it.
  • Unbelievably Delicious: The savory beef and fresh veggies create a well-balanced and hearty dish.

Ingredients Needed

For the Rice Base:

  • 1.5 cups long grain rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Beef Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Fresh Toppings:

  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl

  1. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine it with 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and all water is absorbed. You may also find Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Bang Bang Sauce useful.

  2. While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until they become translucent. This builds a flavorful base for your ground beef.

  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking it while breaking it up with a spoon. Continue until the meat is browned and fully cooked, roughly 5–6 minutes.

  4. Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

  5. In a smaller bowl, create the tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh dill, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until it’s well combined and set aside.

  6. Once the rice has finished cooking, divide it among four bowls. Top each serving with the seasoned ground beef, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley.

  7. Finish each bowl with a generous dollop of tzatziki and serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl

Serve the bowls warm, allowing each person to mix up their ingredients as they like. This meal shines with fresh ingredients and tastes wonderful when paired with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

How to Store Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl

To store leftovers, place the cooled bowls in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Tips to Make Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl

  • Use jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic touch.
  • Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.

Variation

Consider turning this into a vegetarian dish by using lentils or chickpeas instead of ground beef. This keeps the flavor and makes the meal suitable for vegetarian diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Ensure all ingredients, especially the seasonings, are certified gluten-free. The dish naturally is gluten-free as it’s made with rice and fresh ingredients.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture and rice separately. This allows for easy reheating later.

Conclusion

In summary, the Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. It’s packed with flavor and fresh ingredients that everyone will enjoy. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how it turned out for you! You might also enjoy checking out this Greek Bowl Recipe for more delicious ideas!

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Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl 2026 07 26 171358 800x800 1

Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl

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  • Author: chef-ava
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
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Description

This flavorful and satisfying Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl brings together tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups long grain rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear, then combine with 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef, cooking while breaking it up with a spoon until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl for the tzatziki. Mix well and set aside.
  6. Divide the cooked rice among bowls and top with ground beef, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and parsley.
  7. Finish with a dollop of tzatziki and serve warm.

Notes

You can store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe is also customizable with additional vegetables or ground meat substitutions.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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