Mediterranean Ground Beef Quinoa Bowls
Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowls: Your New Weeknight Hero
Fancy a taste of sunshine? Ever get stuck in a weeknight dinner rut? I hear you! That's where this recipe comes in.
This healthy dinner recipe with ground beef is a game changer. It's quick, easy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Seriously, one bite and you'll feel like you're on holiday!
Escape to the Med with This Bowl
Think Greece meets your dinner table. This is a Mediterranean ground beef recipe that's wholesome and incredibly satisfying. It’s inspired by sun-drenched shores and fresh ingredients.
This recipe is super easy, ready in about 45 minutes. It makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prep.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Okay, let's get real. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s packed with protein and good fats.
It's a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrients. It's ideal for a busy weeknight. It makes it a great choice if you are looking for high protein ground beef meals .
Plus, the vibrant flavors are just plain irresistible. It’s also a good base for a ground beef recipes Mediterranean diet .
Honestly, I can't get enough. It makes you feel good from the inside out, and honestly, what more could you ask for?
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's dive into what you'll need. Don't worry, most of them are probably already in your cupboard!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this killer Mediterranean ground beef recipe . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. I promise you won't need a culinary degree! We're making Mediterranean Ground Beef & Quinoa Bowls, a healthy dinner recipe with ground beef.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
This is all about getting organised. Trust me, having everything ready before you start means less stress and more enjoyment. Plus, you're less likely to burn the garlic. Speaking from experience, obvs!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Quinoa: 1 cup (180g). Rinse it really well, or it'll taste bitter.
- Broth: 2 cups (475ml) of low-sodium chicken or veg broth.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) - Extra virgin for that proper flavour.
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). 90/10 is your best bet to keep it lean, remember Lean ground beef recipes healthy are all about choosing the right beef..
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. (I use a garlic press; life's too short for faffing).
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon , dried.
- Basil: 1/2 teaspoon , dried.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a kick).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can , undrained.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (75g), oil-packed, drained and chopped. Go for the ones in oil; they're juicier.
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup (75g), pitted and halved.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml).
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml), freshly squeezed.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml).
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped fresh.
- Mint: 1 tablespoon , chopped fresh.
- Garlic: 1 small clove , minced.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
The oregano and basil combo is essential for that Mediterranean ground beef recipe vibe. The red pepper flakes add a touch of warmth, but feel free to leave them out if you're not a fan of spice.
Fresh herbs really elevate the dressing, so don't skimp! No mint? Use extra parsley.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Medium Saucepan with lid.
- Large Skillet.
- Mixing Bowl.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons.
- Cutting Board.
- Chef's Knife.
- Garlic Press (optional).
Seriously, you probably have all this already. If you don't have a fancy garlic press, just mince the garlic with your knife.
Boom. Now you're ready to cook something amazing which is also very Easy ground beef meal prep !
Mediterranean Ground Beef & Quinoa Bowls: Get Ready to Feast!
Oh my gosh, you guys, are you starving ? I know I am. Tonight, we're ditching the boring and diving headfirst into these incredible Mediterranean Ground Beef & Quinoa Bowls.
Forget those sad, bland dinners, we're talking a healthy dinner recipe with ground beef that’s bursting with flavor. And seriously, who doesn’t love a good bowl?
This is a lean ground beef recipes healthy option. It's like a mini vacation to Greece in a bowl! I love this mediterranean ground beef recipe , because it's packed with good for-you stuff, and it’s so quick to make.
Honestly, sometimes I feel like I live on this quinoa bowl recipe .
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place: First, rinse your quinoa. I know, it sounds silly, but trust me. It gets rid of that weird, slightly bitter taste.
Then, chop your veggies onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives. Get your herbs ready too.
Time saving organization tips: Seriously, pre-chopping everything makes this weeknight ground beef dinners recipe fly by. I usually do it while my quinoa cooks.
It is part of the easy ground beef meal prep .
Safety reminders: You know the drill. Keep your cutting board stable, and your fingers out of the way.
step-by-step to Flavor Town
- Cook the Quinoa: Boil 2 cups of broth and add 1 cup quinoa with a pinch of salt. Simmer for 15 minutes , or until fluffy.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef. Drain any extra grease.
- Sauté the Good Stuff: Add your chopped onion and garlic and cook for 3- 5 minutes until soft.
- Spice It Up: Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave), salt, and pepper. Cook for a minute.
- Simmer and Dream: Stir in diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Simmer for 5- 7 minutes .
- Dress It Up: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, parsley, mint, and garlic for the dressing.
- Bowl Time: Spoon quinoa into bowls. Top with the ground beef mixture. Drizzle with dressing.
Pro Tips for Deliciousness
- Don't overcook the beef, okay? Dry, tough beef is a crime against food. Brown it properly and it should be perfect. Visual cue for doneness : No pink should remain.
- A common mistake? Forgetting to season! Taste as you go and adjust as needed. Remember that.
- make-ahead option: This is great for meal prep! Cook the quinoa and beef ahead of time. It’s a great way to enjoy ground beef recipes for weight loss .
So there you have it! This healthy ground beef and vegetable recipes is super simple and good for you. It is the perfect high protein ground beef meals .
Give it a go and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're ready to dive into this Mediterranean ground beef recipe and whip up some seriously tasty bowls! Before you get started, let's chat about a few things.
These tips are gonna help you nail it, first time, every time.
Serving Suggestions: Bowl Assembly 101
Presentation matters, right? Think about how you're gonna build those bowls. I like to layer the quinoa at the bottom.
Then, pile on the lean ground beef recipes healthy . A generous drizzle of that lemon herb dressing? Oh my gosh, yes! A sprinkle of feta? Essential! You know?
Consider serving these with a side of warm pita bread for scooping. It pairs like you wouldn't believe! A crisp Greek salad on the side? Chef's kiss.
For drinks, think chilled white wine or some iced tea. Fancy, but easy.
Storage Tips: Meal Prep Like a Pro
Wanna get ahead? I get it! You can totally prep this healthy dinner recipe with ground beef in advance. Cook the quinoa and the ground beef mixture separately.
Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They'll keep for up to 3 days . The dressing, too! Just keep it separate.
Freezing isn't ideal for the quinoa, it can get a bit mushy. The ground beef, though? It freezes like a dream! Pop it in a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and it'll last for up to 2 months .
Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating is a breeze! Just microwave it or warm it up in a pan.
Variations: Tweaks and Swaps
Dietary needs? No sweat! Make it vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for lentils or crumbled tofu. Still a protein powerhouse.
Looking for a ground beef recipes for weight loss option? Ditch some quinoa, and load up on the veggies.
Feel like getting seasonal? Switch up the veggies! Roasted butternut squash in the fall? Yes, please! Asparagus in the spring? Absolutely! Those ground beef and vegetable recipes are a game changer.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body Right
Each bowl rings in around 450-550 calories , with a whopping 30-35g of protein . You're also getting 5-7g of fiber .
These bowls are packed with nutrients thanks to the quinoa, veggies, and lean beef. Perfect for a weeknight ground beef dinners .
It’s a solid choice if you're looking to up your protein game or follow a ground beef recipes Mediterranean diet .
So, there you have it! Everything you need to make these bowls your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. Get creative!. Now, go get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Mediterranean Ground Beef & Quinoa Bowls recipe actually healthy? I'm a bit skeptical!
Absolutely! We've designed this recipe to be a healthy twist on ground beef classics. By using lean ground beef, quinoa (a protein packed grain), and loading up on fresh veggies and a zesty lemon herb dressing, we're skipping the greasy, heavy ingredients and focusing on nutrition.
Think of it as your mum's Sunday roast, but given a mediterranean makeover!
Can I make this healthy dinner recipe with ground beef ahead of time? Life's hectic!
Good news! Yes, you can definitely prep components in advance. Cook the quinoa, brown the ground beef mixture, and prepare the lemon herb dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Then, just assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat perfect for a speedy weeknight meal, even if you are running on "British Time."
I'm not a huge fan of olives. What can I substitute for the Kalamata olives in this recipe?
No worries! Olives can be a bit of a "Marmite" ingredient you either love 'em or hate 'em. If you're not an olive fan, try using chopped artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers instead. These will add a similar Mediterranean vibe without the olive taste. You could even throw in some capers for a salty kick.
I'm watching my carbs. Can I make this recipe lower in carbohydrates?
Definitely! To reduce the carbs, swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These are great low-carb alternatives that still provide fiber and nutrients. You could also reduce the amount of sun-dried tomatoes as they are relatively high in natural sugars.
My kids are fussy eaters! Any tips for making this recipe more kid-friendly?
Ah, the age-old challenge! Try serving the components separately so they can build their own bowls. Omit the red pepper flakes, and maybe go easy on the olives to start. You could also add a small dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce, which kids often enjoy.
Sometimes, presentation is key, so arrange the ingredients in a colourful way, just like they do on "MasterChef Junior".
How long will leftovers of this ground beef bowl recipe last in the fridge, and how should I store them?
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store the quinoa, ground beef mixture, and dressing separately in airtight containers to prevent them from becoming soggy. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat the ground beef and quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop and assemble your bowl.
The dressing is best added fresh. You could even give a small drizzle of olive oil when reheating the ground beef for extra flavour.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Quinoa Bowls
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
