This Mediterranean beef bowl is packed with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a balance of creamy and tangy dressings. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish combines seasoned beef bites, a refreshing veggie salad, and a base of fluffy rice. Garnished with lemon and fresh dill, it’s a bowl of pure comfort and joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The Mediterranean seasoning for the beef and the zesty salad dressing create a symphony of bold and refreshing tastes.
- Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, this bowl is satisfying and healthy.
- Customizable: Swap out rice for quinoa, add more veggies, or adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Prepare the components ahead of time for quick assembly during busy days.
Ingredients
Mediterranean Seasoning Blend for Beef Bites
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mediterranean Dressing for Salad
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Creamy Dill Mediterranean Dressing for Beef
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 2 cups diced tomato
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh dill, for garnish
How to make a Mediterranean Beef Bowl
1. Prepare the Beef Bites
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toss beef bites in the seasoning blend, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Set aside and drizzle with the creamy dill dressing.
2. Make the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- Whisk together all the ingredients for the Mediterranean dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss gently to coat.
3. Assemble the Bowl
- Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl.
- Add a portion of the salad on one side.
- Place the seasoned and dressed beef bites on the other side.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, feta cheese, hummus, and fresh dill for a vibrant finish.
Tips for Success
- Cook the Rice Flawlessly: Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio and let it steam for perfect fluffiness.
- Marinate the Beef: For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in the Mediterranean seasoning blend for up to 2 hours before cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, use fresh dill and oregano for an extra pop of flavor.
- Adjust Dressings: Taste and tweak the seasoning in both dressings to suit your palate.
- Meal Prep: Store the components separately in airtight containers and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Easy Mediterranean Beef Bowl
This Mediterranean beef bowl is packed with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a balance of creamy and tangy dressings. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish combines seasoned beef bites, a refreshing veggie salad, and a base of fluffy rice. Garnished with lemon and fresh dill, it’s a bowl of pure comfort and joy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
Mediterranean Seasoning Blend for Beef Bites
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mediterranean Dressing for Salad
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Creamy Dill Mediterranean Dressing for Beef
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 2 cups diced tomato
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Bites
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toss beef bites in the seasoning blend, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Set aside and drizzle with the creamy dill dressing.
2. Make the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- Whisk together all the ingredients for the Mediterranean dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss gently to coat.
3. Assemble the Bowl
- Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl.
- Add a portion of the salad on one side.
- Place the seasoned and dressed beef bites on the other side.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, feta cheese, hummus, and fresh dill for a vibrant finish.