This Beef Rice Bowl is a delicious and comforting meal that’s packed with bold flavors and vibrant toppings. With tender turmeric rice, spiced ground beef, and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, this bowl is a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Full of Flavor: The shawarma-spiced beef and turmeric-infused rice are perfectly seasoned for a flavorful bite every time.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, this Beef Rice Bowl recipe is easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies and toppings to make it your own.
🥘 Ingredients
Rice:
- Long-Grain White Rice: The base of the bowl, tender and fluffy.
- Chicken Bouillon Cubes: Adds depth and richness to the rice.
- Turmeric Powder: Infuses the rice with color and subtle earthiness.
Sauce
- Greek Yogurt and Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the spices.
- Garlic and Lemon Juice: Add bold, zesty flavor to the sauce.
Beef
- Ground Beef: Hearty and flavorful, seasoned to perfection.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic: Aromatic base for cooking the beef.
- Shawarma Spice Blend: Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
Toppings
- Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, balancing the richness of the beef and rice.
- Parsley: A bright, herby finish for added freshness.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Switch up the herbs! I love swapping parsley for mint or cilantro—it adds a fresh, unexpected twist that totally brightens the dish.
- Going meatless? Cooked lentils or sautéed mushrooms bring all the hearty, savory goodness—so flavorful, you won’t even miss the beef!
- Upgrade your grains! Quinoa, farro, or brown rice add extra nutrition and a satisfying bite—I always go for quinoa when I want a little protein boost.
- Avocado lovers, you know what to do! A few creamy slices take it to the next level.
- Bring the heat! A dash of hot sauce adds the perfect fiery kick—because a little spice makes everything better!
🔪How To Make A Beef Rice Bowl
Step One: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in fresh water for 30 minutes, then drain. In a small pot, combine the drained rice, water, chicken bouillon cubes, and turmeric.
Step Two: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step Three: Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step Four: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step Five: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Mix in the shawarma spice blend, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step Six: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step Seven: Mix until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step Eight: To assemble, place a generous serving of turmeric rice in a bowl. Top with seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber. Drizzle the yogurt-mayo sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Then Serve.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Fluffy Rice: Soak the rice before cooking and fluff it with a fork after cooking to avoid clumping.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the shawarma spice blend to your liking for more or less heat.
- Creamy Sauce: Chill the yogurt-mayo sauce to let the flavors meld while preparing the other components.
- Fresh Toppings: Use the freshest veggies you can find for the best texture and flavor.
💭 FAQs
Yes! Brown rice, basmati, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice can be used as a substitute. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.
Shawarma spice blend is a mix of warm spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own at home.
Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch, and fluff it with a fork after cooking.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the yogurt-mayo mixture.
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or diced mushrooms.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some great sides to serve with this beef rice bowl:
- Pita Bread: Warm Pita Bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful ingredients.
- Salad: Pair with a simple Mango Arugula Salad or tabbouleh for a refreshing side.
- Beetroot Hummus: A dollop of hummus on the side adds an extra creamy element.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Beef Rice Bowl
Ingredients
Rice Ingredients:
- ½ Cup Long-Grain White Rice Washed And Soaked For 30 Minutes
- 3 Cups Water
- 2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Toppings:
- Cherry Tomatoes Halved Or Quartered
- Cucumber Diced
- Parsley Finely Chopped
Instructions
- Rinse rice until the water runs clear. Soak in fresh water for 30 minutes, then drain. In a pot, combine rice, water, chicken bouillon, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 15 minutes until cooked. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned. Stir in shawarma spices, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill in the fridge.
- In a bowl, add a serving of turmeric rice. Top with seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and the yogurt-mayo sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
These Beef Rice Bowls is an instant favorite in our house! Can’t wait to make this again.