Ground Beef Layered Hummus

Recipe Ingredients

For the Hummus:

• Chickpeas: Hummus is created using chickpeas. Make sure to drain and rinse them. You can either used canned or you can use dried chickpeas that you soak overnight.
• Lemon Juice: The lemon juice is used to help sweeten the hummus.
• Tahini: The tahini in the hummus is sesame paste and helps thicken the hummus and add flavor.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my suggestion for the oil. I try to use a good quality olive oil to add more flavor.

For the Beef:

• Beef: Ground beef is cooked with warm spices and added on top of the hummus. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken in its place or skip the meat.
• Spices: The spice mixture is cumin, cayenne pepper, cloves, allspice and paprika. They work really nicely together the spice the meat.

For the Toppings:

• Vegetables: I love adding fresh vegetables on top of my layered hummus. In this recipe I used fresh tomatoes, cucumber and red onion. You can ad any veggies you have on hand.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty feta cheese is a nice addition to this hummus. If you want dairy free, you can skip it!
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are the perfect finishing touch to this hummus. You can use fresh parsley, mint or dill.

Ways to Modify this Beef Hummus Dip

• Cheese: I like adding feta cheese to this layered dip but you could skip it or try goat cheese, mozzarella cheese or halloumi cheese.
• Vegetables: This dip is a great way to add extra vegetables to your diet. I like to dice them up small and add them to the top of the hummus. Some good choices are celery, radish, carrot, artichokes, zucchini, pickled turnips, pickled red onions or cauliflower. 
• Spices: Spices can take this dip to the next level. While my favorites are za’atar and sumac you could also try adding paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper or Greek seasoning. 
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are a nice addition to the dip. Try fresh mint, basil, cilantro or chives. 
• Beans: I added chickpeas to the top of the beef hummus dip but you could also try black beans, white beans or pinto beans. 
• Other Ingredients: Some other ingredients that would be nice on this hummus is roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, banana peppers or peperoncinis.

How to Make this Hummus Dip

Step 1: For the Hummus: Combine all ingredients in the food processor. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute (blend longer for more creamy texture).

Add a small amount of additional olive oil to thin out the hummus and blend again if you think it is too thick. Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet heat the olive oil {or ghee} over medium high heat.

Add the onion and garlic and saute until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef and turn to medium heat.

Use a wooden spoon to break apart the ground beef and let it begin to cook.

Add the cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, paprika and clove to the beef and continue to cook until the ground beef is cooked through and no pink is left. Remove the ground beef from the stove and drain excess fat.

Step 3: Assemble the Hummus: Spread your hummus on a platter. Top with the ground beef mixture.