This Hummus with Meat is my version of comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. The smooth hummus pairs perfectly with the savory, fragrant beef and a sprinkle of herbs. I love serving it with warm homemade pita for an easy dinner.
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Why This Recipe Works
I make this Hummus with Meat when I want something that feels cozy but still fresh and full of flavor. It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough to share as part of a mezze spread. Here’s what makes it special:
- Bold, Spiced Flavor: The beef is seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, and a touch of sumac for warmth and depth. It’s that same layered flavor I love in my Loaded Hummus – simple ingredients that taste like so much more.
- Creamy Meets Savory: The smooth hummus balances the rich, spiced meat perfectly. Every bite has that creamy base and a burst of flavor on top, making it feel both comforting and fresh.
- Bright Lemon Pickled Onions: These quick-pickled onions bring the whole dish to life. They’re tangy, crisp, and add a pop of color that makes the plate feel restaurant-worthy.
- Easy to Build and Share: You can serve it family-style with warm pita or as individual bowls. It’s flexible and easy to scale up, just like my Whipped Feta Lemon Dip with Roasted Tomatoes. I love how it’s perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.
- Fresh Finishes: A drizzle of olive oil, a handful of herbs, and toasted pine nuts make this dish shine. It’s simple, beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds crunch and a mild bite that softens beautifully once pickled.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the onions a bright, tangy flavor. If your lemon isn’t very juicy, add a splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Ground Beef – The base of the spiced topping. I like using 80/20 for a juicy result, but leaner or plant-based options also work.
- Ground Cumin – Brings warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with hummus.
- Sumac – Optional but adds a lemony brightness that lifts the beef. A little extra lemon zest can be used instead.
- Hummus – The creamy base for the dish. Use homemade or your favorite store-bought version.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Drizzled over the top for richness and shine.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and color to the finished plate.
- Fresh Mint – Brings a cool, aromatic finish that complements the warm spices.
- Pine Nuts – Toasted for crunch and nutty flavor. Almonds or pistachios make good substitutes.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Pickle the onions: Add sliced red onion, lemon juice, and salt to a bowl. Massage gently with your hands and let sit to soften.
- Add the beef to skillet: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef.
- Add the spices: Sprinkle in garlic powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, sumac, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook until browned: Break the beef apart as it cooks and continue until browned, glossy, and fully cooked through.
- Toast the pine nuts: Add pine nuts to a small dry pan and toast until golden and fragrant.
- Spread hummus in bowl: Spoon the hummus onto a serving platter or bowl and smooth into an even layer.
- Top with beef and pine nuts: Spoon the warm spiced beef over the hummus and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
- Finish and serve: Top with pickled onions, fresh parsley, mint, and a drizzle of olive oil, then serve immediately.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Protein Options: I usually make this with ground beef, but ground lamb gives it a richer, more traditional flavor. You can also use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Spice Swaps: If you don’t have sumac, I like using a bit of lemon zest or a splash of vinegar instead. No cardamom? Add a little extra cinnamon and cumin. Regular paprika works fine if you’re out of smoked, and nutmeg can be skipped.
- Hummus Variations: I love this with roasted garlic hummus for extra depth. Harissa hummus adds a bit of spice, or you can swap in labneh or white bean dip for something different.
What to Serve with Hummus with Meat
Breads, Bowls & Mezze
- This Hummus with Meat is perfect with warm Greek Pita or naan, spooned over rice bowls, stuffed into wraps, or served on toasted sourdough for an easy open-faced meal.
- We also love adding it to a mezze spread with olives, cucumbers, Chopped Greek Salad, and plenty of fresh sides for scooping.
- You can also serve it as part of my Roasted Veggie Hummus Bowl.
Main Dishes
- This Hummus with Meat also pairs perfectly with other Mediterranean favorites. We love serving it alongside Mediterranean Meatballs for a cozy, flavorful meal.
- It’s also great next to Greek Lamb Chops or Greek Chicken Kabobs with Lemon Garlic Marinade for a fresh, balanced dinner.
Salads
- For something light and colorful, try it with Pan Fried Halloumi & Peach Salad or Low Carb Mediterranean Burger Salad.
- It also pairs beautifully with Beet Terrine With Herbed Goat Cheese or the classic Shuba Salad (Herring Under a Fur Coat) for a colorful mezze-style spread.
FAQs
Can I make the pickled onions ahead of time?
Absolutely. The onions actually taste better after a day or two in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to a week and turn a beautiful pink color as they sit.
What kind of hummus works best?
You can use homemade or store-bought hummus. Classic, roasted garlic, or harissa hummus all work well, depending on how bold you want the flavor to be.
Can I serve this as a meal or an appetizer?
Both work nicely. Serve it family-style with store-bought or homemade pita and salad for dinner, or make smaller plates for a party spread. It’s flexible and easy to scale up.
How long does it keep?
Store the cooked beef in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The pickled onions last up to a week. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet with a splash of water, and assemble fresh so the hummus stays creamy.
More Mediterranean Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Easy Baba Ganoush Recipe – My Easy Baba Ganoush Recipe (Keto and Whole30) is made with roasted eggplant and simple, flavorful ingredients. It’s creamy, smoky, and rich!
- Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables – These Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables are my go-to when I want something colorful, healthy, and full of flavor. They’re simple to make and taste incredible with almost anything. The perfect side for the weeknights and even holiday dinners!
- Baked Whole Cauliflower with Lemon Tahini Sauce – This keto, gluten free, and vegan Baked Whole Cauliflower with Lemon Tahini Sauce is loaded with Mediterranean flavors.
- Roasted Carrots with Pesto – Roasted carrots with pesto brings together the natural sweetness of carrots and the vibrant flavor of pesto. It’s the perfect side dish!
If you try this Hummus with Meat recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Hummus with Meat
This Hummus with Meat is my version of comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. The smooth hummus pairs perfectly with the savory, fragrant beef and a sprinkle of herbs. I love serving it with warm homemade pita for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
Lemon Pickled Onions
- 1 red onion, medium, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, large, juiced, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
Spiced Beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sumac, optional
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Hummus & Garnishes
- 2 cups hummus
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
- ⅓ cup pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Add the sliced red onion, lemon juice, and salt to a small bowl. Using your hands, gently squeeze and massage the onions to help soften them and release their juices. Let the onions sit at room temperature while preparing the beef.
- Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the sizzling slows down.
- Break up the beef using the back of a wooden spoon. Add the garlic powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, sumac, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- Continue cooking until the beef is browned, glossy, and any excess liquid has evaporated. If needed, blot excess grease with a paper towel.
- Toast the pine nuts in a small pan until golden. They can be mixed into the beef or used as a garnish.
- To assemble, spread the hummus onto a serving platter or individual plates, smoothing it with the back of a spoon. Spoon the warm spiced beef over the hummus and top with the lemon pickled onions.
- Finish with toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Serve with warm pita, naan, rice bowls, wraps, or alongside my Greek salad if desired.
Notes
- Toast the bread until it’s lightly golden so it stays crisp but still soft enough to bite into easily.
- Pat the sun-dried tomatoes dry before chopping to keep the filling from getting greasy.
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best crunch and flavor.
- Slice the red onion thin so it adds flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Chop the filling finely so every bite has a balanced mix of meat, cheese, and veggies.
- Chill the chopped filling for about 10 minutes before assembling to let the flavors blend.
- Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper before slicing for a neat, deli-style presentation.
- Make the grinder dressing ahead of time to save prep time and deepen the flavor.
- Keep the bread and chopped filling separate if prepping in advance to prevent sogginess.
- Add the extra dressing right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
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