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Ground Beef Shawarma Bowls Recipe

4.7 from 432 reviews

A flavorful and vibrant Ground Beef Shawarma Bowl featuring spiced ground beef, aromatic golden turmeric rice, fresh cucumber and tomato salad, pickled red onions, and creamy tahini or hummus. This recipe offers a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal that’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shawarma Beef:

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (Lean 90/10)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

For the Golden Turmeric Rice:

  • 1 cup Basmati Rice
  • 2 cups Water or Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

For the Bowl Assembly:

  • Cucumber & Tomato Salad, diced finely with a squeeze of lemon
  • Pickled Red Onions
  • Hummus or Tahini Sauce
  • Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turmeric Rice: Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water or vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. Brown the Shawarma Beef: While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is mostly browned and the fat has rendered out.
  3. Bloom the Spices: Add freshly minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 2–3 minutes to intensify the spices’ flavors by blooming them in the beef’s natural fat. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Begin by layering a generous base of the golden turmeric rice in each bowl. Top with a portion of the spiced shawarma beef. Arrange diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled red onions around the edges for freshness and crunch.
  5. The Finishing Touch: Drizzle tahini sauce or add a dollop of hummus over the bowl to add creaminess. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the flavors.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid excessive grease.
  • Broth in the rice adds more flavor than water but can be substituted if preferred.
  • Letting the rice rest covered after cooking yields fluffier rice.
  • Pickled red onions can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
  • Adjust spices according to your heat and flavor preference.
  • Can be served with warm pita bread on the side if desired.

Keywords: Ground Beef Shawarma, Shawarma Bowls, Middle Eastern Recipes, Turmeric Rice, Easy Dinner, Healthy Bowls, Spiced Beef, Tahini Sauce