Description
A flavorful Greek Meatball Bowl featuring tender lamb or beef meatballs, creamy homemade tzatziki, fluffy rice, and a fresh medley of vegetables. Perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Greek 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)
For the 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
For Assembly
- 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 the 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 well incorporated but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and refrigerate while assembling the bowls to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked basmati or jasmine rice among four serving bowls. Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the rice.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around the meatballs.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle each bowl with a generous amount of prepared tzatziki sauce and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over everything. Serve immediately for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, lean ground beef or turkey can be substituted for lamb.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki.
- Meatballs can be baked in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes as an alternative to frying.
- Cook rice in advance or use leftover rice to speed up meal preparation.
- Fresh herbs like mint can be added to tzatziki for extra flavor.
