greek_meatball_bowl

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and satisfying Greek Meatball Bowl. Juicy, herbed meatballs pair perfectly with creamy tzatziki, fluffy rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This bowl is a wholesome, well-rounded meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Discover why the Mediterranean diet is celebrated as one of the healthiest in the world, and learn more about the rich history of Greek cuisine

How to Make the Perfect Greek Meatball Bowl

This Greek Meatball Bowl recipe is broken down into simple steps to make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Fresh Veggies:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mixed greens or spinach
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives (optional)

For Garnish:

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Lemon wedges (optional)
  • Fresh dill or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add the rice, olive oil, and salt.
  3. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

  1. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  2. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
greek meatball bowl
greek meatball bowl

Step 3: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, garlic, herbs, egg, breadcrumbs, and spices. Mix gently until everything is incorporated.
  2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for 10-12 minutes, turning to ensure even browning. They should be fully cooked and juicy on the inside.
greek meatball bowl
greek meatball bowl

Step 4: Prep the Fresh Veggies

  1. Slice cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion.
  2. Wash and dry the mixed greens or spinach.
greek meatball bowl
greek meatball bowl

Step 5: Assemble the Greek Meatball Bowl

  1. Divide the cooked rice into four bowls as the base.
  2. Add a handful of mixed greens or spinach to each bowl.
  3. Arrange the cooked meatballs, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and olives over the rice.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the bowls.
  2. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy finish.
  3. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for the Best Greek Meatball Bowl

  1. Perfect Meatball Texture: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to ensure they remain tender and moist.
  2. Tzatziki Pro Tip: Removing excess water from the grated cucumber is key to achieving a creamy sauce. Use a cheesecloth or paper towel to squeeze out moisture.
  3. Meal Prep Hack: Double the recipe and store the meatballs, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe

This Greek Meatball Bowl is a delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors in a healthy, balanced meal. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures: the juicy, spiced meatballs, refreshing crunch of fresh veggies, and creamy, tangy tzatziki. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your dietary preferences.

Looking to cut carbs? Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens. Want to add more flavor? Sprinkle in some za’atar or drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving.

Whether you’re hosting guests or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers big on taste. This recipe is family-friendly, great for meal prep, and perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Discover more Mediterranean recipes like this on Flavors and Recipes.

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