Feastical

Your New Favorite Dinner is Here: Mediterranean Hummus Bowls!

Hey friends, Beau here! Let’s be real for a second. How many times have you stood in front of the fridge after a long day, staring into the abyss, wondering what on earth you can whip up that’s actually exciting? You want something hearty, something fresh, something that doesn’t taste like you just gave up on flavor. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and that’s exactly why I created these epic Mediterranean Hummus Bowls.

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your ticket to a dinner that’s bold, balanced, and built for real life. We’re talking creamy, dreamy hummus, fluffy rice, savory spiced beef, and a confetti of the crispiest, crunchiest veggies, all finished with the briny punch of kalamata olives and creamy feta. It’s a high-protein, nutrient-rich powerhouse that feels like a party in a bowl. The best part? It comes together in about 25 minutes, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s the undisputed champion of meal prep. So, grab your favorite bowl—you know, the big one—and let’s make a meal that’s anything but boring.

A Taste of Sunshine: Where This Bowl Was Born

This recipe takes me right back to a sun-drenched afternoon I spent at a bustling street market years ago. I was wandering through the stalls, completely overwhelmed (in the best way) by the smells of sizzling meat, fresh herbs, and warm pita. I finally caved and ordered a “mystery bowl” from a vendor with a giant, welcoming smile. What I got was a glorious, messy, beautiful creation layered in a cardboard container. It had this incredible spiced meat, a swoosh of the creamiest hummus I’d ever tasted, and what felt like a whole garden’s worth of toppings.

I found a spot on a low wall, took one bite, and my eyes practically rolled back in my head. It was pure joy. It was comfort food, but it was also vibrant and alive. I’ve spent years tinkering in my own kitchen, trying to capture that same feeling of effortless, sun-soaked satisfaction. This bowl is my love letter to that moment. It’s the flavor of a vacation, with the ease of a Tuesday night dinner.

Gathering Your Flavor Arsenal

Here’s the lineup for our culinary masterpiece. Don’t stress if you’re missing something—I’ve packed this section with swaps and chef-y insights to make it your own.

For the Spiced Ground Beef:

• 1 lb Ground Beef: I like an 85/15 blend for a great balance of flavor without being too greasy. Chef’s Insight: For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully here, and for a plant-based powerhouse, lentils are a fantastic swap!
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano: This is the quintessential Mediterranean herb. It brings a warm, slightly bitter, aromatic quality that forms the flavor foundation.
• 1 tsp Cumin: Oh, cumin. This is the secret weapon. It adds an earthy, nutty warmth that makes the beef taste incredibly complex and cozy.
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder: We’re using powder here for convenience and because it coats the beef evenly, giving you garlic in every single bite. Sub Tip: Feel free to use 2-3 minced fresh garlic cloves if that’s what you have on hand!
• ½ tsp Salt: This is your baseline. It wakes up all the other spices. Always taste at the end and add more if you need to!

For the Bowl Base & Toppings:

• 8 cups Cooked White or Brown Rice: The fluffy, neutral base that soaks up all the glorious juices. Chef’s Hack: Cook your rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for an instant flavor upgrade.
• 2 cups Hummus (classic or flavored): This is the heart and soul of the bowl! Its creaminess ties everything together. Pro Move: A roasted red pepper or lemon-flavored hummus can add a wonderful extra dimension.
• 1 pint Grape or Cherry Tomatoes, halved: They bring a juicy, sweet burst that cuts through the richness of the beef and hummus.
• 1 whole English Cucumber, diced: I love English cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal seeds. They provide a fantastic, refreshing crunch.
• ½ Red Onion, thinly sliced: That sharp, peppery bite is non-negotiable for balance. If raw onion is too intense for you, give the slices a quick 10-minute soak in ice water to mellow them out.
• 2 cups Kalamata Olives, sliced or whole: These are the salty, briny gems that make your taste buds stand up and pay attention. They’re little flavor bombs!
• 4 oz Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty. It’s the perfect finishing touch. For a dairy-free version, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a vegan feta alternative works great.
• ½ cup Chopped Fresh Parsley: This isn’t just for looks! The fresh, grassy flavor of parsley brightens up the entire dish.

Let’s Build Some Magic: Step-by-Step

Alright, team. Aprons on, music up—let’s get cooking. This comes together so fast, you’ll want to have all your components ready to go. We’re using the “while-this-cooks-do-that” method for maximum efficiency.

1. Cook the Beef to Perfection. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Crumble in your ground beef. Now, here’s a little chef hack: let it sit for a minute before you start stirring! This gives it a chance to develop a beautiful, flavorful sear. Once it’s started browning, add in your oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. The smell at this point is going to be absolutely incredible—that’s how you know you’re on the right track. Keep cooking and stirring until the beef is fully browned and those spices are fragrant. Drain off any excess fat if needed, then set it aside.
2. Chop Your Veggies Like a Pro. While the beef is working its magic, this is your prime time to prep. Halve those tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. I like to do this all on one big cutting board for easy cleanup. This is also the perfect moment to get your rice fluffed and ready if you haven’t already. Having your “mise en place” (that’s just a fancy way of saying “everything in its place”) makes assembling the bowls an absolute breeze.
3. The Art of the Build. This is the fun part! Grab your bowls—I’m serious about using the big ones. Start with a generous scoop of fluffy rice as your foundation. Next, take a big spoonful of hummus and swoosh it right on top of or next to the rice. Don’t be shy! The hot rice and beef will slightly warm the hummus, making it even more luxurious. Now, top with a hearty helping of that spiced beef. Then, artfully (or just enthusiastically) pile on the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
4. The Grand Finale. To finish, shower your creation with the crumbled feta and that vibrant green parsley. This final flourish adds color, freshness, and that last hit of flavor that brings the whole bowl into harmony. Serve it up immediately while the beef is still warm and the veggies are crisp!

How to Serve & Savor Your Creation

Presentation is part of the fun! I love serving these bowls family-style. Pile all the components into separate colorful bowls and let everyone build their own masterpiece. It’s interactive, it’s fun, and it means everyone gets exactly what they love.

For the full Mediterranean feast experience, serve these bowls with warm, toasted pita bread or pita chips on the side for scooping up every last bit of hummus and beef. A big wedge of lemon on the side is a must—a squeeze of that fresh juice right before you dig in lifts all the flavors and adds a necessary hit of brightness. If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of cool, creamy tzatziki or a zigzag of tahini sauce over the top takes this from a 10 to an 11.

Make It Your Own: Endless Customizations

The beauty of this bowl is its versatility. It’s a formula for success, so play around! Here are a few of my favorite twists:

• Go Plant-Powered: Swap the beef for two cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained. Toss them with the same spice blend and a tablespoon of olive oil, then roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy. You get a fantastic texture and a totally vegan meal.
• Switch Up the Base: Rice is great, but don’t stop there! Quinoa, couscous, orzo, or even a bed of fresh spinach or romaine lettuce all work wonderfully. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is your best friend.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Texture is key! Toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or crispy chickpeas add a wonderful nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while it cooks, or finish your bowl with a generous drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a spicy harissa.
• Herb It Up: Beyond parsley, fresh dill or mint would be a stunning addition, bringing a whole new layer of freshness to the party.

Beau’s Kitchen Confidential

This recipe has seriously evolved over the years. It started as a “clean-out-the-fridge” special, but it quickly became a weekly staple in my house. I remember one time I was filming a video for the site and I got so excited talking about the hummus swoosh that I completely knocked over a bowl of olives. Let’s just say there were olives rolling all over the counter and my dog thought it was the best day of his life. The recipe survived the chaos, and so did I!

My biggest tip? Double the beef. Seriously. Cook two pounds, use one for dinner, and save the other for the most incredible next-day lunches. It’s amazing in wraps, on salads, or even just reheated for another round of bowls. This is a recipe that gets better as it becomes yours, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Your Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I make these bowls ahead of time for meal prep?
A: You absolutely can! They are a meal prep superstar. The key is to keep the components separate. Store the spiced beef, rice, hummus, and chopped veggies in their own airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, assemble your bowl cold, or give the beef and rice a quick warm-up in the microwave before adding the cool toppings. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Q: My hummus gets dry and crusty in the fridge. How can I prevent that?
A: Great question! This happens to the best of us. Before you seal the container, drizzle a very thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the hummus. When you’re ready to use it, just stir it right in. This creates a barrier that locks in the moisture and keeps it creamy.

Q: The beef seems a bit bland. What did I do wrong?
A> Don’t worry, we can fix that! The most common culprit is underseasoning. Spices lose their potency over time. The measurements in the recipe are a starting point. Next time, taste your beef mixture after it’s cooked and don’t be afraid to add more salt, cumin, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to wake it all up. Cooking is about adjusting to your taste!

Mediterranean Hummus Bowls with Spiced Beef, Olives & Feta : Budget-Friendly & Customizable

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• Author: BeauCollier

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Description

A vibrant, protein-packed dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. Creamy hummus, fluffy rice, spiced beef, and crisp vegetables make a bold, balanced, and customizable meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spiced Ground Beef

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15) – or ground turkey/chicken/lentils for swaps

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp garlic powder (or 2–3 minced garlic cloves)

• ½ tsp salt

Bowl Base & Toppings

• 8 cups cooked white or brown rice (cook in broth for extra flavor)

• 2 cups hummus (classic or flavored)

• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 English cucumber, diced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cups Kalamata olives, sliced or whole

• 4 oz crumbled feta (or vegan feta/nutritional yeast)

• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Optional Variations

• Crunchy nuts: toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds

• Heat: red pepper flakes, harissa, or hot sauce

• Herbs: fresh dill or mint

• Base swap: quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice

• Plant-based: roasted chickpeas instead of beef

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Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:
   Heat a skillet over medium. Add ground beef and let sit 1 min before stirring to develop a sear. Sprinkle in oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Prep Vegetables:
   Halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice onion, and chop parsley. Fluff rice.

3. Assemble Bowls:

   • Start with a scoop of rice in a large bowl.

   • Add a generous swoosh of hummus.

   • Top with spiced beef.

   • Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.

   • Finish with crumbled feta and chopped parsley.

4. Optional Toppings & Drizzle:
   Toasted nuts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of tzatziki/tahini. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Meal Prep: Store beef, rice, hummus, and veggies separately for up to 4 days. Warm rice and beef before serving.

• Hummus Storage: Drizzle olive oil over the surface to keep it creamy.

• Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, spices, or lemon juice as needed.

Fueling Your Body & Soul

Now, I’m not a nutritionist, but I am a chef who believes food should make you feel good. This bowl is a fantastic, balanced meal that delivers on both flavor and fuel. The ground beef and hummus provide a solid punch of protein to keep you full and satisfied. The colorful array of vegetables delivers fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The healthy fats from the olive oil (in the hummus), olives, and feta are great for heart health and help your body absorb all the fat-soluble vitamins from the veggies.

Remember, these numbers are just an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But as a general guide, you’re looking at a meal that is truly satisfying and nutrient-dense. It’s proof that eating well doesn’t have to mean eating boring.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Per Serving (approximate): Calories: 470 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 6g

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, my friends—your new go-to dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These Mediterranean Hummus Bowls are more than just a recipe; they’re a reminder that the best meals are the ones that bring together vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a whole lot of love. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and reliable enough for your weekly meal prep.

I truly hope this recipe finds a happy home in your kitchen and becomes a regular on your table. If you make it (and I really hope you do!), tag me @Feastical on social media so I can see your beautiful creations! Now, go forth and build the bowl of your dreams.

With a full heart and an even fuller bowl,
Beau