Ground beef is one of those staples that most of us have on hand, so we can throw together a dinner in minutes. Sometimes, dinner using ground beef tends to get a little repetitive and a bit boring, in my opinion, with the usual mix of hamburgers, spaghetti sauce, or tacos prepared week-in and week-out. So, I thought why not change things up, and throw a little Middle Eastern spice blend into it, using spices that you probably already have in your pantry, creating a whole new unique dinner.
Baharat is a blend of warming spices, similar to Indian spices, but slightly different with their use of fresh ginger, cardamon and mint. This blend is added to ground beef and simmered with tomatoes for a simple preparation that is spooned over couscous, rice or hummus. I thought it might be fun to pile it on top of a hamburger bun too, and create a Middle Eastern Sloppy Joe.
The beef melts into the spices and permeates the kitchen just right. It will definitely make those around you hungry for dinner, and I’m sure there will be no dawdling – dinner is served in under thirty minutes.
Ingredients
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cardamon
1/2 teaspoon ground Aleppo pepper or smoked paprika
1 pound ground beef
14 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh mint or parsley
olive oil
couscous, quinoa or rice
(Serves 4)
To Prepare:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add 2 teaspoon oil and place over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Add ginger, salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamon and Aleppo pepper and stir to combine.
- Add ground beef and stir to incorporate into spices. Cook until lightly browned and add tomatoes. Turn heat to simmer and place lid on top of pan. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove lid and sprinkle with fresh mint or parsley. Spoon over grains or on top of a bun. Enjoy!
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