Greek-Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Cook the rice: Prepare 1 cup of long-grain white rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
