Ground Beef Greek Bowls

Ground Beef Greek Bowls are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings together the rich, savory flavor of seasoned ground beef with crisp, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice (or quinoa), tangy tzatziki sauce, and briny feta cheese.

It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors — juicy, spiced beef contrasts beautifully with cool, creamy yogurt sauce and crunchy veggies. Every bite feels like a burst of sunshine and freshness!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines bold Mediterranean flavors with everyday ingredients in such a simple, wholesome way. The seasoned ground beef is packed with herbs and spices, while the veggies and tzatziki add brightness and balance.

It’s also meal-prep friendly, customizable, and nutritious — high in protein, loaded with vitamins, and easy to make gluten-free or low-carb.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Fresh and flavorful
• High in protein and nutrients
• Great for meal prep or on-the-go lunches
• Customizable — works with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
• A healthy, colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes

It’s a must-try if you love Mediterranean food or want a refreshing change from typical rice bowls.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (varies by toppings and base)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek
• Course: Main Course / Lunch / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Base:

• 2 cups cooked basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make tzatziki sauce and chill.
2. Cook ground beef with Mediterranean spices.
3. Prepare the rice or grain base.
4. Assemble bowls with beef, veggies, and toppings.
5. Drizzle with tzatziki and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Tzatziki Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill.
2. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest — this helps the flavors develop.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
6. Stir in oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
7. Squeeze in lemon juice and mix well.
8. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

1. While the beef cooks, prepare your base — rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
2. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

Step 4: Assemble the Greek Bowls

1. Divide rice (or chosen base) among four bowls.
2. Spoon the cooked ground beef over each bowl.
3. Add toppings: cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the veggies are fresh.

How to Serve

• Serve the Greek bowls warm or at room temperature.
• Add warm pita bread or naan on the side for dipping in tzatziki.
• Pair with a fresh Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use extra-lean beef for a lighter bowl.
• Make tzatziki in advance — it gets even better after a few hours.
• Drain the cucumber well to keep the sauce creamy, not watery.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil or tahini before serving for extra richness.
• If meal prepping, store components separately to keep veggies crisp.

Variations

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken Greek Bowls – Swap beef for lean turkey or chicken.
2. Low-Carb Version – Use cauliflower rice or mixed greens instead of grains.
3. Vegetarian Option – Replace beef with chickpeas or lentils sautéed in olive oil and Greek spices.
4. Spicy Greek Bowl – Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
5. Loaded Bowl – Top with hummus, roasted bell peppers, or avocado slices.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Store leftover components (beef, rice, veggies, tzatziki) separately in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Only freeze the ground beef and rice/quinoa portions.
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Reheat the beef and base in a skillet or microwave.
• Add fresh toppings and tzatziki right before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Grater (for cucumber)
• Serving bowls

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?
Yes! Ground lamb adds authentic Mediterranean flavor and works perfectly in this recipe.

Q2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and skip or replace feta with a vegan alternative.

Q3. What’s the best grain for Greek bowls?
Basmati rice, brown rice, couscous, quinoa, or even farro all work great.

Q4. Can I meal prep these bowls?
Yes! Prepare the components in advance, store separately, and assemble just before eating.

Q5. How can I make it even healthier?
Add more veggies like spinach, roasted zucchini, or bell peppers.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Greek Bowls are everything you love about Mediterranean cuisine — fresh, vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. They’re easy to make, beautifully balanced, and full of nutrition.

With seasoned ground beef, creamy tzatziki, and colorful toppings, each bowl delivers a perfect harmony of texture and taste. Whether for a quick dinner or a week’s worth of meal prep, these bowls are a guaranteed hit.