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Authentic Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowls with Homemade Creamy Tzatziki

A vibrant Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl featuring seasoned meat over yellow rice, topped with tzatziki, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
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Prepare a flavorful weeknight dinner featuring Greek-seasoned ground beef served over lemon rice, topped with fresh vegetables and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
  • 1/2 English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, minced very fine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki)
  • For Serving: 1 cup chopped cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed dry grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, red wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir well. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Season the Beef: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This seasoning keeps the beef moist.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the lemon rice among four serving bowls. Top the rice evenly with the seasoned Greek ground beef.
  6. Add Toppings: Arrange the chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives over the beef.
  7. Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the chilled tzatziki sauce over each bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • To prevent dry ground beef, do not overcook it; remove it from the heat immediately after browning and seasoning.
  • Squeeze as much water as possible from the grated cucumber before mixing it into the tzatziki for a thick sauce.
  • If you prefer a tangier tzatziki, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the sauce mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/greek-ground-beef-rice-bowl-with-tzatziki/