5 Delicious Couscous and Ground Beef Recipes to Try Now

When you combine the rich, savory flavors of ground beef with the light, fluffy texture of couscous, you get a culinary duo that's both satisfying and versatile. Couscous, an underappreciated side dish, pairs wonderfully with ground beef, bringing out the best in both ingredients. Whether you're looking to expand your dinner options or seeking recipes that are both easy to make and delicious, here are five couscous and ground beef recipes that are sure to impress.

1. Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers

A colorful, nutritional delight, these stuffed bell peppers will add a splash of vibrancy to your dinner table.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large bell peppers, any color
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¹⁄₂ cup tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cheese (optional for topping)
• Directions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the tops off the peppers, remove the seeds and membranes.
  2. Boil couscous according to package instructions; typically, it’s just boiling water and adding couscous, then setting aside covered for a few minutes.
  3. In a pan, brown the ground beef. Once nearly cooked, add onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are translucent and meat is fully cooked.
  4. Mix the couscous with the ground beef mixture, stir in the tomato sauce, and stuff this mixture into the bell peppers. Place in a baking dish.
  5. If using, sprinkle cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until peppers are tender.

💡 Note: When choosing bell peppers, opt for ones that stand up well; this makes them easier to stuff and present.

2. Spicy Couscous and Ground Beef Meatballs

This recipe combines the gentle chew of couscous with the succulent texture of beef meatballs, all seasoned with a spicy twist.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cooked couscous, cooled
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
  • ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped onions
  • 1 tablespoon harissa or chili paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • Oil for frying
• Directions:
  1. Combine all ingredients except oil in a bowl. Mix until well blended.
  2. Shape the mixture into meatballs. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Serve with extra harissa or a yogurt sauce for dipping.

3. Ground Beef Couscous Bowl

For those nights when you want something quick yet flavorful, this bowl recipe fits the bill perfectly.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon wedges
• Directions:
  1. Cook couscous according to package instructions.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a bit of oil if necessary, then sauté zucchini, onion, and bell pepper until tender.
  4. Assemble the bowl by placing couscous at the bottom, then topping with beef and vegetables. Garnish as desired.

4. Couscous Beef Pilaf

A twist on the traditional pilaf, this dish uses couscous instead of rice for a faster cooking time and unique texture.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chopped carrots
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chopped celery
  • ¹⁄₂ cup peas
  • ¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts or almonds
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or cilantro)
• Directions:
  1. In a large skillet or pot, melt butter or heat oil, then brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add carrots, celery, and peas, cooking until vegetables start to soften. Add pine nuts or almonds and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, and add couscous. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 5-7 minutes until couscous absorbs the liquid.
  4. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

5. Mediterranean Couscous and Beef Skillet

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner plate with this straightforward skillet recipe.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sliced black olives
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crumbled feta for serving
• Directions:
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Once the beef is browned, add tomatoes and olives. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Boil water in a separate pot and cook couscous according to package instructions. Drain any excess water and fluff with a fork.
  4. Combine couscous with the beef mixture in the skillet, mix well, and let cook for a couple more minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Serve topped with crumbled feta cheese.

💡 Note: Couscous absorbs flavors well, so adding a splash of lemon juice or extra herbs before serving can brighten up the dish.

Each of these dishes not only showcases the delightful pairing of couscous with ground beef but also allows for personal touches and variations to suit your palate or dietary preferences. Whether it's the hearty stuffed peppers, the spicy meatballs, the comforting bowl, the flavorful pilaf, or the Mediterranean skillet, there's something here for everyone to enjoy and possibly make a regular part of their cooking repertoire. Try these recipes and savor the magic of combining simple ingredients to create complex, delicious meals.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

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Absolutely! The Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers and Spicy Couscous Meatballs can be prepared, refrigerated, and then baked or fried just before serving. The Mediterranean Couscous Skillet, however, is best when ingredients are fresh, but you can pre-cook the couscous and beef mixture separately.

How do I adjust these recipes for a vegetarian diet?

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Replace ground beef with vegetarian alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, or a soy-based crumble. For the stuffed peppers, you could use a mix of sautéed vegetables and nuts. Instead of meatballs, form the mixture into patties or fritters.

What are some ways to enhance the flavor of couscous?

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Cook couscous in broth instead of water, add spices like turmeric, cumin, or saffron while cooking, or toss in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro after fluffing. Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can also brighten up the flavor.