Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Tender ground beef and fresh zucchini combine over fluffy rice, topped with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rice according to the package instructions, then set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried dill, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create the tzatziki sauce.
6. Step 6: To serve, divide the cooked rice among bowls, top with the beef and zucchini mixture, drizzle with tzatziki sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cinnamon to the beef while cooking.
• Replace ground beef with ground lamb for a more authentic Greek taste.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
• Letting the tzatziki sauce chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving deepens the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover beef and zucchini mixture and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce refrigerated and use within 2 days. Reheat the meat and rice gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and add fresh tzatziki sauce after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use plain Greek yogurt and verify that your spices do not contain any additives with gluten.

Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 106 reviews

This Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl is a vibrant and hearty dish combining savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and fluffy rice, all topped with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: Prepare 1 cup of long-grain white rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
2. Sauté the onions: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped small onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the beef and season: Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried dill, salt, and black pepper to taste to infuse the beef with flavor.
4. Add the zucchini: Mix in the diced zucchini (2 medium zucchinis) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp to maintain texture.
5. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained 1/2 cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the bowl: Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top with the beef and zucchini mixture, then drizzle generously with the homemade tzatziki sauce. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbaceous note.

Notes

• Grate and thoroughly drain the cucumber to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
• You can substitute ground lamb for beef to make it a more traditional Greek experience.
• This dish pairs well with a side of lemon wedges for added brightness.
• For a low-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Greek beef bowl, zucchini rice bowl, tzatziki sauce recipe, Mediterranean beef recipe, healthy rice bowl