Mediterranean Ground Beef & Rice Recipe
A flavorful Mediterranean dish combining lean ground beef, fragrant basmati rice, and tender chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices to create a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon 7 Spice
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion and beef: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and lean ground beef. Season with 7 Spice, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring until the onions soften and the beef is browned, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add chickpeas, rice, and seasoning: Stir in the rinsed chickpeas and basmati rice. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through.
- Let rice steam: After simmering, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice continue to steam for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to achieve perfect tenderness.
- Fluff and serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional chickpeas.
- 7 Spice is a blend typical in Middle Eastern cuisine; if unavailable, use a mixture of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Rinsing basmati rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Using chicken broth adds depth of flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter taste or vegetarian adaptation.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly the salt, depending on broth sodium content.
