These rice bowls are loaded with flavor and easy to make in under 30 minutes. The spiced ground beef mimics traditional shawarma seasoning but cooks much faster, making this a great alternative when you’re short on time. Paired with rice and your favorite fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions, and a creamy garlic or tahini sauce, this dish is balanced, filling, and endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Cooked basmati or jasmine rice
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Shawarma spice blend (or a mix of cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, and black pepper)
Salt
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, diced
Pickled red onions (optional)
Lettuce or mixed greens (optional)
Garlic sauce, tahini sauce, or plain yogurt (for drizzling)
Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in shawarma spices, salt, and a splash of lemon juice. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
In serving bowls, layer a base of rice. Top with the shawarma-spiced ground beef.
Add fresh toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickled onions.
Drizzle with garlic sauce, tahini, or yogurt, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve immediately or pack for meal prep.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes total, including prep and cook time.
Variations
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or greens instead of rice.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the spice mix.
Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free yogurt or tahini sauce.
Grain-Free: Swap rice for quinoa or omit grains and build a salad bowl.
Extra Protein: Add a fried or hard-boiled egg on top or include chickpeas.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle with crumbled feta or labneh for added creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
Store the ground beef and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Fresh toppings and sauces should be stored separately to maintain their texture. Reheat beef and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Assemble bowls fresh when ready to eat.
FAQs
What is shawarma spice made of?
It typically includes cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead?
Yes, both make excellent substitutes if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Can I buy premade shawarma seasoning?
Absolutely. Many grocery stores carry pre-mixed shawarma spice blends for convenience.
What type of rice is best?
Basmati or jasmine rice are ideal, but brown rice or quinoa can also work well.
How do I make garlic sauce at home?
Blend together garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a quick homemade garlic sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Store all components separately and assemble when ready.
What vegetables go well in this bowl?
Cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, pickled onions, shredded carrots, and radishes are great options.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your spice mix and sauces are gluten-free, this meal is naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze the ground beef?
Yes, cooked and cooled shawarma beef freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of rice?
Try cauliflower rice, couscous, quinoa, or bulgur for different textures and flavors.
Conclusion
Shawarma Ground Beef Rice Bowls are a flavorful, satisfying way to enjoy the essence of shawarma in a quick and convenient format. With rich spices, hearty beef, and vibrant toppings, these bowls are perfect for any night of the week. Easy to prep and endlessly adaptable, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Shawarma Ground Beef Rice Bowls are a quick and flavorful take on traditional Middle Eastern shawarma. Spiced ground beef is served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with fresh veggies and a creamy sauce for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Middle Eastern-Inspired
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon shawarma spice blend (or mix of cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, and black pepper)
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup pickled red onions (optional)
1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens (optional)
Garlic sauce, tahini sauce, or plain yogurt (for drizzling)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6–8 minutes.
Stir in shawarma spices, salt, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to develop flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
In serving bowls, add a base of cooked rice. Top with the shawarma ground beef.
Add fresh toppings such as cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and pickled onions.
Drizzle with garlic sauce, tahini, or yogurt and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Notes
Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.Serve over cauliflower rice or greens for a low-carb version.For added spice, mix in cayenne or red pepper flakes with the seasoning.Top with a fried egg or chickpeas for extra protein.Store toppings and sauces separately to keep them fresh and crisp.
