Description

There’s something timeless about Mediterranean cooking that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Growing up, meals like this Mediterranean Ground Beef dish weren’t just dinners—they were mini celebrations of life’s simple pleasures. Fresh herbs, bold spices, and a sense of gathering around the table, laughing and sharing stories late into the evening. That’s the spirit behind this recipe.

This dish draws on centuries-old traditions where families across Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and surrounding regions would stretch modest ingredients into something hearty and satisfying. It’s packed with wholesome, vibrant flavors: the smokiness of paprika, the earthy comfort of cumin, the fresh brightness of parsley. Whether you serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice, stuff it into lettuce wraps, or spoon it into a bowl with a dollop of tzatziki, you’ll feel like you’re sitting seaside somewhere, enjoying the breeze and the sunshine.

This recipe has become a go-to in my house—especially during busy weeknights when I want something nourishing but don’t have a lot of time to spare. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, which makes it feel way fancier than the effort it actually takes. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons tomato paste

¼ cup beef broth

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Warm up your pan.
Grab your favorite large skillet—something that holds heat nicely—and drizzle in the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until shimmering. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that faint peppery scent of good olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics.
Toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and starts to look translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so—just until fragrant. (The kitchen already smells amazing at this point.)

Step 3: Brown the beef.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, with no pink spots remaining. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Try not to rush this part—the browning adds so much depth of flavor.

Step 4: Spice it up.
Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, coriander, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir well to coat the beef in all those beautiful spices. It’ll start smelling deeply savory and a little smoky—a telltale sign you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Make it saucy.
Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth. Mix until everything’s well combined. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together into a rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Finish with freshness.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. This final touch brightens everything up and brings that classic Mediterranean freshness to the dish.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy.
Spoon your gorgeous Mediterranean beef over your favorite base (cauliflower rice, regular rice, lettuce wraps, you name it) and get ready to fall in love.

Notes

This is a great base recipe. Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even olives for extra flair.
If you want it saucier, add a little more broth and tomato paste.
A sprinkle of feta cheese on top would be totally in the spirit of Mediterranean feasting.