Get ready to fall in love with the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies! This dish brings together juicy, herb-spiked meatballs, fluffy rice, crisp and colorful veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki that ties everything together. Each bite is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and textures, making this bowl a vibrant, wholesome meal that’s as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as it is for a special lunch with friends. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is how such simple ingredients come together to create something so satisfying. Each component brings its own unique flavor, texture, or color, playing an essential role in the final bowl. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you’ll love it!
- Ground beef or lamb: The base for our meatballs, offering rich, savory flavor and moist texture. You can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a sweet, mellow bite in the meatballs, and thinly sliced for a crisp topping.
- Garlic: Essential for Mediterranean meatballs and the tzatziki, giving both a fragrant kick.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby brightness.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek flavor that infuses the meatballs with savory notes.
- Cumin: Just a hint for gentle warmth and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances every ingredient.
- Egg: Binds the meatball mixture, ensuring the perfect tender bite.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps create juicy, tender meatballs that hold together beautifully.
- Basmati or jasmine rice: Fluffy, fragrant rice provides the ideal base for soaking up all the flavors.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and hydrating—chopped for the bowl and grated for the tzatziki.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness and pop of color brighten up every bite.
- Lettuce or baby spinach: Adds crunch, color, and a fresh, leafy contrast.
- Feta cheese: Tangy and creamy, feta crumbles are a must for any Greek-inspired bowl.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy base for our homemade tzatziki, bringing protein and tang.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of citrus lifts the whole dish, especially the tzatziki.
- Dill: Fresh or dried, dill gives tzatziki its signature herby flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Brings everything in the tzatziki together and makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by combining your ground meat, minced garlic, chopped red onion, fresh parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix everything until just combined—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pop the meatballs into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Baking keeps them juicy and tender, and you don’t have to fuss with frying!
Step 3: Cook the Rice
While the meatballs are baking, cook your rice according to the package instructions. Whether you choose basmati for its delicate aroma or jasmine for its soft chew, make sure your rice is light and fluffy for the perfect bowl base.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki
In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber (be sure to squeeze out excess moisture!), lemon juice, garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir and chill until you’re ready to assemble. This creamy, tangy sauce is the secret superstar of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Step 5: Prep the Fresh Veggies
Chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the lettuce or baby spinach, and thinly slice the red onion. These vibrant veggies will add crunch and color, making your bowl irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with a generous pile of meatballs, then scatter on the cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce or spinach, red onion, and crumbled feta. Drizzle everything with plenty of tzatziki and serve immediately for the freshest flavors.
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Garnishes
Sprinkle your bowl with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of green, and don’t be shy with the feta! For extra Mediterranean flair, add a few kalamata olives or a wedge of lemon. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a swirl of olive oil can add a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies with warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or roasted potatoes for an even heartier meal. If you want something lighter, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad is a perfect, refreshing companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your ingredients in a wide glass bowl for a stunning, colorful presentation that shows off every layer. Or, assemble the ingredients mezze-style on a platter so everyone can build their own bowl—fun for family dinners or casual entertaining! You could even tuck everything into pita pockets for a playful hand-held version of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs, rice, veggies, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the veggies from wilting or the rice from getting soggy. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies a fantastic meal prep option.
Freezing
The meatballs freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely, then pack them into a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months. It’s best not to freeze the veggies or tzatziki, as they won’t retain their crispness or creamy texture after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat the meatballs, simply microwave them or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Rice can be microwaved as well, covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Add the fresh veggies and tzatziki after reheating for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While beef or lamb gives the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies a classic flavor, ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter version. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even quick oats in the meatballs. Double-check your feta and other ingredients to be sure everything is gluten-free.
Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, tzatziki tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to serve your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
What vegetables can I use if I want to change things up?
Feel free to get creative! Sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even roasted eggplant make delicious additions. The bowl is all about fresh, vibrant flavors, so use whatever veggies you have on hand.
Can I serve this bowl cold?
Absolutely—this dish is delicious hot or cold! Perfect for packed lunches or picnics, simply assemble the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and freshness, you can’t go wrong with the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. Every bite is a little Mediterranean getaway, right from your own kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to favorite!
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Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender, herb-infused meatballs with fluffy basmati rice and crisp fresh vegetables. Topped with creamy homemade tzatziki and crumbled feta, this bowl offers the perfect balance of protein, freshness, and Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s easy to make and packed with authentic Greek flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or 1 teaspoon fresh dill
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep Meatball Mixture: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined without overworking to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them spaced out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Cook Rice: While the meatballs bake, cook the basmati or jasmine rice according to package instructions until fluffy.
- Make Tzatziki: In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), lemon juice, garlic powder or minced garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill the sauce until ready to serve to let flavors meld.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly between four bowls. Top each bowl with the baked meatballs, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce or spinach, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve with Tzatziki: Drizzle tzatziki generously over each bowl and serve immediately while meatballs are warm and veggies fresh.
Notes
- For extra brightness, add kalamata olives or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef/lamb for a lighter variation.
- Prep all components in advance and assemble just before serving for a quick weekday meal.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor in meatballs and tzatziki.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
