Today, I bring to you Greek Hidden Veggie Beef Couscous, it’s a recipe I recently created for Beef Loving Texans. The Mediterranean dietary pattern was inspiration for this quick, family-friendly meal that will gather everyone around the table.

Vegetable wary children may notice the spinach but will likely have no idea that generous servings of mushrooms and cauliflower lie within – those ingredients are chopped fine and similar in color to the couscous!  Read on to get more details!

I place a priority on serving my family homemade meals that feature lots of fresh seasonal produce and whole grains paired with lean proteins, nuts and heart-healthy oils.  Good news, that’s the Mediterranean way of eating, a dietary pattern associated with vitality, longevity and reductions in certain medical issues. Media has jumped on the assumption that eating animal proteins, especially beef, should be done so sparingly – however, that is not true! In fact, those living in the Mediterranean eat almost exactly as much red meat as Americans (I’ll be sharing the new research on this soon). The key seems to be what other foods are you pairing with your meal – it seems common sense that vegetables and whole grains would be better than white bread burger buns and French fries.

This is a feel-good, taste-god family dish in so many ways and, it only has 311 calories, 26g protein and under 10g fat per serving. Another benefit of Greek Hidden Veggie Beef Couscous, aside from it being well-balanced in nutrition and picky-eater friendly, is that it all comes together in ONE pot in under a half hour! This 30 minute meal is a total win for the parent assigned cooking and clean up duty on busy week nights.

Pro tip: For convenience, I skip ricing my own cauliflower and thinly slicing my own sirloin. Instead I buy the pre-bagged cauliflower in the produce department and the “steak-ums” like pre-cut sirloin steak from the freezer aisle (my HEB carries a house brand which is soooo good).

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Greek Beef Hidden Veggie Couscous

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

25 mins

 

The kids might notice a bit of spinach, but will never realized that this healthy, balanced beef dinner is packed with an additional 5 cups of chopped vegetables. The parent on dinner duty will also appreciate that it's a one-skillet, 30 minute meal -- quick to make and easy clean up!

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 311 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 12 oz sirloin steak sliced thinly (can use frozen pre-cut sirloin steaks)
• 2 cups riced cauliflower
• 2 cups diced white button mushrooms
• 1 1/3 cups Israeli Pearl Couscous, preferably whole wheat
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons Cavender’s Greek seasoning
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Instructions

1. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to large skillet and bring to medium high heat. Add thinly sliced sirloin steak to pan and stir fry, stirring constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until browned.

   
   

2. Transfer cooked beef to plate to rest and discard of any remaining liquid in skillet.

   
   

3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet and bring back to medium-high heat. Add chopped mushrooms and cauliflower bits and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

   
   

4. Stir in Greek seasoning and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

   
   

5. Add couscous and vegetable stock, stir to combine, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until broth is absorbed.

   
   

6. Remove from heat and stir in spinach until wilted. Top with feta cheese and pine nuts. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

My guys give me rave reviews when I make this for dinner, do you have a “most-requested” meal at your house . . . that includes lots of veggies? I love new ideas, please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer