This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki is a tasty and healthy meal that the whole family will love. It’s packed with flavor and brings a touch of the Mediterranean right to your table. Perfect for dinner or lunch, it combines savory meatballs, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce over rice. Let’s get started!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe because it’s easy, quick, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having a few friends over, this bowl is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile! You can swap ingredients based on what you have at home, making it great for busy days or lazy weekends.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 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
- 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
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil drizzle (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s all combined. Then, roll them into small meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. If you prefer, you can also bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with the meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
- Drizzle some tzatziki sauce over the top, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese if you like, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl
Serve the Greek Meatball Bowl warm for a comforting meal. You can dish it out in individual bowls, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Pair it with a refreshing drink for a complete meal!
How to Store Greek Meatball Bowl
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Tips to Make Greek Meatball Bowl
- Make sure to squeeze the grated cucumber well to remove excess water. This keeps the tzatziki from being too watery.
- For extra flavor, you can add spices like paprika or cayenne to the meatball mixture.
- Use leftover meatballs in a sandwich or salad the next day for a different twist!
Variation
You can swap the ground beef or lamb for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Also, feel free to change the rice with quinoa or even a bed of mixed greens.
FAQs
1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just cook them when you’re ready to eat.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or substituting them with almond flour or crushed oats.
3. What can I serve with this bowl?
This bowl is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a light salad or some pita bread for extra sides!