A bold and savory upgrade to traditional hummus, this Loaded Layered Hummus Dip with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts brings together creamy hummus, warmly spiced ground beef, sautéed vegetables, juicy tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. It’s a vibrant and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired appetizer that’s as satisfying as it is crowd-pleasing — perfect for mezze platters, festive gatherings, or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This loaded hummus dip isn’t just an appetizer — it’s a complete flavor experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Elevated hummus base: Store-bought or homemade hummus becomes the perfect canvas for bold, layered toppings.
- Savory spiced beef: Ground beef seasoned with sumac, cinnamon, and oregano brings warmth and depth.
- Colorful and textural: Juicy fresh tomato, crunchy raw onion, and toasted pine nuts add contrast and crunch.
- Easy and quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Crowd-pleasing: Great for parties, game day, or mezze spreads — everyone will want the recipe.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to suit dietary preferences or spice levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Hummus (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- Ground beef
- Small onion, chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish)
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper, chopped
- Sumac
- Ground cinnamon
- Dried oregano
- Tomato sauce
- Fresh tomato, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil (for cooking and drizzling)
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion (minus the reserved portion), bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, sumac, cinnamon, and oregano. Stir to combine.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5–8 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Spread the hummus evenly over a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
- Spoon the spiced beef mixture over the hummus.
- Top with chopped tomato, fresh parsley, the reserved raw onion, and toasted pine nuts.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crostini, or gluten-free crackers.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: 290 kcal
Variations
- Lamb instead of beef: Substitute ground lamb for a richer, more traditional flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils cooked with the same spices.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or harissa to the beef for a fiery kick.
- Yogurt drizzle: Top with a spoonful of plain yogurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic for extra creaminess.
- Hummus flavors: Use flavored hummus such as roasted red pepper or garlic for added dimension.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the beef topping separately in a skillet or microwave before spooning it back over fresh hummus for best texture.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade hummus for this dip?
Yes, homemade hummus works beautifully and allows you to control flavor and texture. Store-bought high-quality hummus is also a convenient option.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
Serve the beef topping warm over cold hummus for a delightful contrast, though it can be served fully chilled if preferred.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components in advance, but it’s best to assemble the dip shortly before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
How do I toast pine nuts?
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
What can I serve with this dip?
Serve with warm pita bread, toasted flatbread, crostini, or sturdy crackers. For a gluten-free option, use cucumber slices or gluten-free pita chips.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, the spiced beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before using.
What is sumac, and can I substitute it?
Sumac is a tangy Middle Eastern spice made from dried berries. If unavailable, substitute with a small amount of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and assemble in a larger serving platter or shallow dish.
Is this dip spicy?
No, it’s warmly spiced but not hot. You can adjust the heat level with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.
Can I add cheese?
While not traditional, crumbled feta or goat cheese can be added for a tangy, creamy touch.
Conclusion
Loaded Layered Hummus Dip with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts is a savory showstopper that turns simple ingredients into a visually striking and flavorful appetizer. With its warm spices, fresh toppings, and creamy hummus base, this dish is perfect for entertaining or elevating a casual gathering. Whether served as part of a mezze platter or on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
PrintLoaded Layered Hummus Dip with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts
A bold and savory twist on classic hummus, this layered dip features creamy hummus topped with spiced ground beef, sautéed vegetables, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts. Perfect for mezze spreads, potlucks, or parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 16 oz hummus (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 8 oz ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped (reserve 2 tbsp for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 tsp sumac
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, for cooking and drizzling
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion (minus 2 tablespoons reserved), green bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, sumac, cinnamon, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5–8 minutes until thick and flavorful.
- Spread the hummus evenly onto a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Generously drizzle olive oil over the hummus.
- Spoon the spiced beef mixture over the hummus.
- Top with fresh chopped tomato, parsley, reserved raw onion, and toasted pine nuts.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crostini, or crackers.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Sumac adds a tangy flavor; adjust to taste or substitute with lemon zest.
- Toasted pine nuts add texture and nuttiness—don’t skip them if possible.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg