Ground Beef Shawarma Bowls (Printer-friendly)
Spiced ground beef, turmeric rice, fresh veg and garlic-yogurt for an easy Middle Eastern bowl.
# What You Need:
→ Ground Beef
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1 teaspoon ground allspice
10 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Rice Base
13 - 1 cup basmati rice
14 - 2 cups water
15 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Garlic Yogurt Sauce
17 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
18 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
19 - 1 clove garlic, grated
20 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
21 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Fresh Bowl Additions
22 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
23 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
24 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
25 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
26 - 1/4 cup pickled turnips or red cabbage (optional)
27 - Lemon wedges, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until water is clear. Bring 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until grains are tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking up with a spatula, and cook until fully browned. Incorporate cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is well seasoned and aromatic.
03 - Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and olive oil in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until creamy and smooth. Refrigerate until ready for serving.
04 - Divide cooked turmeric rice evenly among four shallow bowls. Top each portion with spiced ground beef. Arrange cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and pickled turnips or red cabbage around the beef.
05 - Drizzle garlic yogurt sauce over each bowl and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The bold, warming spices and fresh crunch of veggies taste like a secret restaurant hack at home.
- Customizing toppings bowls sparks a little fun (especially when everyone wants their own masterpiece).
02 -
- If you skip rinsing your rice, expect a sticky clump (I learned that after my first try).
- Cooking the spices in oil just until they're fragrant makes the flavor bloom—it’s tempting to rush, but patience wins here.
03 -
- Layer spices directly onto beef after most of the moisture is gone—this gives them more chance to toast and flavor the meat.
- Finishing the bowl with handfuls of fresh herbs unlocks the entire dish—parsley is classic but mint is delightful.