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
Scale
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
