Spanish-Style Couscous
A flavorful Spanish-inspired couscous dish with seasoned beef, bell peppers, and olives, perfect for hearty, quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or buffalo meat ⓘ
- 1 can beef broth (about 14 ounces) ⓘ
- 1 small green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup pimiento stuffed green olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked couscous ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over high heat until hot.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Pour off excess fat from the skillet.
- Place beef, beef broth, bell pepper, olives, onion, garlic, cumin, and thyme into a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until the bell pepper is tender.
- Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Stir in the uncooked couscous, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Spoon couscous onto plates and top with the beef mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish. You can also substitute quinoa for couscous for a gluten-free option. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish some heat. Ensure to sauté the garlic briefly before adding to enhance its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish-Style Couscous with a side of Green Beans And Rice for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely as well. For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese. This dish also complements well with Mediterranean Stuffed Potatoes(Using A Basic Marinara Sauce).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet and heat over medium-low until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This will help to refresh the couscous and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish-Style Couscous contains roughly 951 calories, with 41g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. Prepare the couscous fresh to ensure it maintains its texture.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different flavor profile. Using low-sodium options will help control the saltiness of the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include additional vegetables like zucchini or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces as the bell pepper to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).