Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki & Rice

A delicious and balanced Mediterranean-inspired bowl with juicy Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and fresh veggies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor – Herb-seasoned meatballs and tangy tzatziki.
• Nutritious and Balanced – Protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
• Customizable – Swap proteins, grains, or veggies to fit your diet.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy all week.

Ingredients

For the Greek Meatballs

• 500g ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bowl Base

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice

For the Fresh Veggies

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil drizzle
• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined. Roll into small meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).

2. Cook the Meatballs:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Alternatively, bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

4. Assemble the Bowl:

Divide the cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.

5. Drizzle and Garnish:

Drizzle with tzatziki sauce, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

• Low-Carb Option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Dairy-Free – Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for tzatziki.
• Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the meatballs.
• Vegetarian Alternative – Substitute meatballs with falafel or grilled halloumi.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep components separate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: Meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef/lamb? Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great for a leaner option.

What’s the best way to store tzatziki? Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.

How do I prevent my meatballs from drying out? Don’t overcook them and use a mix of meat with some fat content.

What other grains can I use instead of rice? Try quinoa, couscous, or bulgur for a different texture.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying? Yes, bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this recipe meal-prep friendly? Absolutely! Store ingredients separately for fresh-tasting meals.

Can I add more veggies? Of course! Try adding bell peppers, olives, or shredded carrots.

What’s a good substitute for feta cheese? Try goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative.

How can I make the tzatziki more flavorful? Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

This Greek Meatball Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying, and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion. With a combination of juicy meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki & Rice

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and balanced Mediterranean-inspired bowl with juicy Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and fresh veggies—perfect for a nutritious meal!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Greek Meatballs

• 500g ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bowl Base

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice

For the Fresh Veggies

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil drizzle
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

• Make the Meatballs:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1.5-inch meatballs.

• Cook the Meatballs:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and cook meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

• Assemble the Bowl:

  • Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.

• Drizzle and Garnish:

  • Drizzle with tzatziki, sprinkle with feta cheese, and finish with olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Substitute rice with quinoa or lettuce for a low-carb option.
• Use dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version.
• Meal prep tip: Store meatballs and tzatziki separately for freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean