Instant Pot Shredded Greek Beef Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the richness of slow-cooked beef with the convenience of the Instant Pot. The beef becomes incredibly tender after pressure cooking, absorbing the Mediterranean spices and flavors, while the fresh toppings add a refreshing contrast. The combination of savory beef, creamy tzatziki (or your dairy-free option), and tangy lemon makes each bite a burst of deliciousness. It’s versatile, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner.

Ingredients for Shredded Beef

• 2 lbs flap or flank steak
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
• Zest of ½ lemon

Optional Ingredients for Serving:

• Gluten-free pita
• Prepared rice or cauliflower rice
• Tzatziki (or store-bought; omit for Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo)
• Baby arugula
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Pitted kalamata olives
• Crumbled feta cheese (omit for Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo)
• Lemon wedges

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Shredded Beef:

1. Season the Beef: Start by seasoning the flap or flank steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
2. Sear the Beef: Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the avocado oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, sear the beef on both sides for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
4. Add the Spices and Liquids: Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, and ground cinnamon. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds. Then, deglaze the pot with the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the low-sodium beef broth and the lemon zest, stirring to combine.
5. Pressure Cook the Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot and close the Instant Pot lid. Set it to “Manual” high pressure for 50 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot, stirring it into the juices for extra flavor.

To Serve:

1. Assemble the Bowls: Serve the shredded Greek beef over your choice of rice, cauliflower rice, or gluten-free pita. Top with baby arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and kalamata olives.
2. Add the Toppings: Drizzle tzatziki (or your dairy-free substitute) on top of the beef. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 50 minutes (plus 10 minutes for natural pressure release)
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with jackfruit or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of these Mediterranean bowls. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for added flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chilies to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Greek Salad Version: Serve the shredded beef with a side of traditional Greek salad, featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the beef has dried out.

FAQs

1. Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or sirloin. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.

2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.

3. Can I use lamb instead of beef?

Yes, lamb works well with the Mediterranean flavors in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the lamb cuts.

4. Is this recipe Whole30 or Paleo-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is Whole30 and Paleo-friendly, as it uses no dairy, gluten, or processed ingredients (unless you choose to add feta cheese or tzatziki, which can be omitted for Whole30 and Paleo).

5. Can I freeze the shredded beef for later?

Yes, the shredded beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

6. Can I make the tzatziki at home?

Absolutely! Tzatziki is easy to make with Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Simply combine these ingredients and adjust to taste.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the bowls?

Definitely! You can add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to your bowls for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar gives a nice balance to the dish, but you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

9. How do I make this dish spicier?

You can add more ground cumin, chili flakes, or even some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.

10. Can I serve this with pita bread if I’m not following a Whole30 diet?

Yes, gluten-free pita or regular pita works perfectly as a base for this dish, giving it an authentic Mediterranean feel.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Shredded Greek Beef Bowls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. With tender, flavorful beef, fresh toppings, and creamy tzatziki, these bowls offer a satisfying and nutritious meal that can be customized to your preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

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