This ground beef and tahini dish is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the savory taste of ground beef with the creamy richness of tahini. Layered with tender potatoes and fresh tomatoes, this recipe makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
One ingredient you might not have on hand is tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. You'll typically find it in the international or health food section of your supermarket. Additionally, allspice might be less common, so keep an eye out in the spice aisle.
Ingredients For Ground Beef And Tahini Recipe
ground beef: The base protein for the dish, providing a rich and savory flavor.
onions: These add sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
fresh parsley: Provides a fresh and herbaceous note, balancing the richness of the beef.
allspice: A warm, aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all ingredients.
ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances the savory elements.
potatoes: They absorb the flavors and become tender during baking.
tomatoes: Provide acidity and freshness, complementing the richness of the beef and tahini.
water: Helps to keep the dish moist and allows the tahini sauce to blend well.
tahini: A creamy sesame paste that adds a unique and nutty flavor.
lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tahini.
One reader, Garvy Duffy says:
This ground beef and tahini recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The allspice adds a warm touch, while the tahini and lemon juice create a creamy, tangy finish. The layers of potatoes and tomatoes make it hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Cooking Techniques for Ground Beef and Tahini Recipe
How to mix ingredients: Combine ground beef, onions, parsley, allspice, salt, and pepper thoroughly in a bowl. How to arrange layers: Spread the meat mixture evenly in a casserole dish, then layer potato slices and tomato slices on top. How to season layers: Season each layer of potatoes and tomatoes with salt and pepper. How to stir tahini and lemon juice: Mix tahini and lemon juice together until smooth. How to incorporate water into tahini mixture: Slowly stream water into the tahini mixture while stirring until fully incorporated and smooth.
How To Make Ground Beef and Tahini
This ground beef and tahini recipe is a quick Mediterranean-inspired dish. It’s a comforting mix of beef, onions, and potatoes in a rich creamy sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground Beef
- 2onionsor more to taste, chopped small
- ¾cupfresh parsleychopped
- 1½tspallspiceground
- 1½tspsaltdivided
- 1½tspground black pepperdivided
- 4potatoessliced
- 3tomatoessliced
- 1½cupswaterdivided
- ¾cuptahini
- ⅔cuplemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Mix ground beef, onions, and parsley together in a large bowl.
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Mix allspice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl; add to beef mixture and mix.
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Spread the meat mixture into a casserole dish in an even layer, but not all the way to the edges.
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Arrange potato slices atop the beef mixture.
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Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Arrange tomato slices in a layer atop the potatoes.
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Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
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Pour ½ cup water around and over the layers of beef, potatoes, and tomatoes.
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Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Stir tahini and lemon juice together in a bowl until smooth.
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Slowly stream the remaining 1 cup water into the tahini mixture until fully incorporated and smooth. Pour over and around the layers of beef, potatoes, and tomatoes.
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Continue baking for about 30 minutes more or until the beef is no longer pink in the center and the potatoes are tender.
Nutrition
- Calories: 518.95kcal
- Fat: 31.72g
- Saturated Fat: 8.10g
- Trans Fat: 0.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.61g
- Carbohydrates: 40.50g
- Fiber: 7.94g
- Sugar: 5.39g
- Protein: 22.35g
- Cholesterol: 53.68mg
- Sodium: 686.35mg
- Calcium: 193.98mg
- Potassium: 1214.92mg
- Iron: 6.09mg
- Vitamin A: 61.61µg
- Vitamin C: 60.14mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting the Technique
To ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender, slice them thinly and uniformly. This will help them cook at the same rate as the ground beef and tomatoes, resulting in a perfectly layered dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop onions, parsley, potatoes, and tomatoes in advance and store them in airtight containers.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ground beef, onions, and parsley using a food processor.
Pre-mix spices: Combine allspice, salt, and pepper ahead of time to save a step.
Layer efficiently: Arrange the potatoes and tomatoes in the casserole dish while the oven preheats.
Prepare tahini sauce: Mix tahini and lemon juice while the dish bakes for the first 30 minutes.
Substitute Ingredients For Ground Beef and Tahini Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based protein that can mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.
tahini - Substitute with peanut butter: Peanut butter has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, though it will add a slightly different taste.
tahini - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a good alternative for those with nut allergies and has a similar consistency to tahini.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions.
onions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and can be used in similar quantities.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that can replace parsley in many dishes.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar flavor.
allspice - Substitute with cinnamon and cloves: A mix of cinnamon and cloves can mimic the warm, spicy flavor of allspice.
allspice - Substitute with nutmeg and cinnamon: This combination provides a similar depth of flavor to allspice.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt for a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat but should be used in smaller quantities due to its spiciness.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a different flavor and additional nutrients.
potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used as a low-carb alternative to potatoes.
tomatoes - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers offer a sweet, juicy alternative to tomatoes.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used when fresh tomatoes are not available.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds additional flavor compared to plain water.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar liquid base with added flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with vinegar: Vinegar provides the necessary acidity, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Tahini
Use a ring mold: Place a ring mold in the center of a pristine white plate. Fill it with the ground beef mixture, pressing down gently to create a compact layer.
Layer potatoes and tomatoes: Arrange thin slices of potatoes and tomatoes in a circular pattern on top of the beef mixture within the ring mold. Alternate the slices for a visually appealing effect.
Drizzle tahini sauce: Carefully pour the tahini and lemon juice mixture over the layered dish, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the ring mold for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley around the plate and on top of the dish for a burst of color and freshness.
Add a touch of spice: Lightly dust the top with a pinch of allspice and ground black pepper to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Serve with a side of lemon wedges: Place a few lemon wedges on the side of the plate to allow diners to add an extra splash of citrus if desired.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, add a light drizzle of olive oil around the plate for a glossy finish and added richness.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Large bowl: Essential for mixing the ground beef, onions, parsley, and spices together.
Mixing bowl: Needed for combining the allspice, salt, and pepper before adding them to the beef mixture.
Casserole dish: The main vessel for layering and baking the beef, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Knife: Used for slicing the onions, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the spices and seasonings.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the water, tahini, and lemon juice.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing the beef mixture and stirring the tahini and lemon juice together.
Whisk: Helps in smoothly incorporating the water into the tahini and lemon juice mixture.
Aluminum foil: Can be used to cover the casserole dish if needed to prevent over-browning.
Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot casserole dish when placing it in and removing it from the oven.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Allow the ground beef and tahini casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the casserole:
- Divide the cooled casserole into individual portions or freeze the entire dish, depending on your preference.
- Wrap the portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped portions or dish in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the name of the dish and the date it was frozen.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat the frozen casserole:
- If reheating individual portions, remove the desired number of portions from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
- If reheating the entire dish, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator 24-48 hours before you plan to reheat it, allowing it to thaw completely.
- Once thawed, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If the casserole seems dry after reheating, you can add a small amount of water, broth, or tahini sauce to help moisten it.
- Serve the reheated casserole hot and enjoy your delicious, convenient meal!
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ground beef and tahini in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the beef from drying out.
Alternatively, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop. Transfer the leftovers to a large skillet or saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to help moisten it. Heat until the dish is warmed through, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
For a quick and easy reheating option, use your microwave. Place the leftover ground beef and tahini in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to prevent splatters and keep the dish moist. Heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the dish is heated to your liking.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftovers for a crispy twist. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ground beef and tahini mixture in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the dish is heated through and slightly crispy on top.
For a flavorful and moist reheating method, try steaming your leftovers. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the leftover ground beef and tahini in a heatproof dish that fits inside your steamer basket. Steam for 5-10 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. This method helps to retain the dish's original flavors and texture.
Interesting Trivia About Ground Beef and Tahini
A unique aspect of this ground beef and tahini recipe is its fusion of Middle Eastern flavors with common ingredients. The use of tahini and lemon juice adds a creamy and tangy element, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Budget-Friendly Meal: Is This Recipe Cost-Effective?
This ground beef and tahini recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of ground beef provides a hearty protein source, while potatoes and tomatoes add bulk without breaking the bank. Onions and parsley are inexpensive yet flavorful additions. The tahini and lemon juice mixture adds a unique twist without significantly increasing costs. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $15-$20 for a household of 4 people.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:
Healthy elements:
- Ground beef provides a good source of protein
- Onions and parsley offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Tomatoes provide vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients
Unhealthy aspects:
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal
- The use of tahini and lemon juice adds extra fat and calories to the dish
- The seasoning relies heavily on salt, which can contribute to high sodium intake
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the nutrient content and add more fiber
- Reduce the amount of tahini used or replace it with a lower-fat alternative, such as Greek yogurt, to decrease the overall fat content
- Use lean ground beef or consider substituting a portion of the beef with ground turkey or plant-based options like lentils or mushrooms to reduce saturated fat
- Decrease the amount of salt used in the seasoning and opt for more herbs and spices to add flavor without increasing sodium intake
- Serve the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal and provide additional nutrients
Editor's Opinion on the Flavors and Textures
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors with the rich ground beef, aromatic allspice, and creamy tahini. The layering of potatoes and tomatoes adds texture and depth, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing tang. Baking the dish ensures the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and hearty meal. However, consider sautéing the onions before mixing them with the beef for added sweetness and complexity. Overall, it's a well-balanced dish that promises to be both satisfying and flavorful.
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Why trust this Ground Beef and Tahini Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and tahini with the comforting textures of potatoes and tomatoes. The addition of allspice and parsley elevates the dish, making it both aromatic and flavorful. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, balancing the richness of the beef and tahini. Easy to follow and delicious, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends.
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