Description
This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a vibrant and flavorful meal combining juicy lamb or beef meatballs, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, fragrant basmati rice, and fresh Mediterranean vegetables. It’s perfect for a wholesome and satisfying weeknight dinner with authentic Greek flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Bowl Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Make the Greek Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, fresh parsley, fresh dill, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming a well-combined meat mixture.
- Form meatballs: Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into 1-inch size meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Cook meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, cooking them in batches if necessary. Turn occasionally, browning all sides, and cook through completely, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on size. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked basmati or jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls.
- Add toppings: Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the rice. Add cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around the meatballs to create a colorful presentation.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the prepared tzatziki sauce generously over the meatballs and veggies. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the bowl for a tangy, creamy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your Greek-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lamb or beef.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice packets.
- Make the tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead to deepen its flavor.
- If you prefer, bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
