why make this recipe
This Middle Eastern Spiced Beef and Chickpea Skillet is a fantastic dish to make if you want something flavorful and easy. It’s packed with protein from the beef and chickpeas, making it a healthy option for dinner. Plus, the spices bring a warm aroma to your kitchen, creating a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.
how to make Middle Eastern Spiced Beef and Chickpea Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish
- Yogurt (optional) for serving
- Cooked rice for serving
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the chickpeas and spices (cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and allspice). Mix well.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
- Serve over cooked rice.
how to serve Middle Eastern Spiced Beef and Chickpea Skillet
Serve the beef and chickpea skillet hot over a bed of cooked rice. You can add a spoonful of yogurt on top for creaminess and sprinkle some fresh herbs for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or some warm pita bread on the side.
how to store Middle Eastern Spiced Beef and Chickpea Skillet
To store any leftovers, let the skillet cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Middle Eastern Spiced Beef and Chickpea Skillet
- For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to boost the nutrition.
- Make sure to rinse the chickpeas well to get rid of any canning liquid, which helps improve the dish’s flavor.
variation
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meat with extra chickpeas or lentils.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Just make sure to soak and cook them ahead of time.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free yogurt or simply skip it.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not very spicy but you can adjust the spices to your taste. If you want it hotter, add some cayenne pepper.
Middle Eastern Spiced Beef and Chickpea Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish
- Yogurt (optional) for serving
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the chickpeas and spices (cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and allspice). Mix well.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
- Serve over cooked rice.