Description
This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s packed with flavor and freshness. Juicy homemade meatballs are served over fluffy rice with crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and creamy tzatziki for a colorful and satisfying dinner bowl. Ideal for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner, this Greek bowl recipe is vibrant, easy, and totally crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- For the Bowl Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced or diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, red onion, oregano, parsley, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently. Form into 1½-inch meatballs. -
Cook the Meatballs:
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through. Optionally, pan-fry for a crispier exterior. -
Prepare the Tzatziki:
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt. Stir until smooth and chill until ready to serve. -
Assemble the Bowl:
Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Add meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
-
Use ground turkey or a mix of beef and lamb for variety.
-
Swap rice with quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for dietary preferences.
-
Add roasted chickpeas or hummus for extra texture and protein.
-
Use dairy-free yogurt and skip feta for a dairy-free version.
-
Store components separately for up to 4 days for easy meal prep.
