Description
A vibrant and flavorful Greek Meatball Bowl featuring tender lamb or beef meatballs, a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, fluffy basmati rice, and fresh vegetables. This wholesome meal delivers the authentic taste of Greece in a nutritious and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
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
Bowl 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 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.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend flavors. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked basmati or jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the cooked meatballs atop the rice. Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around the meatballs.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle each bowl generously with the prepared tzatziki sauce and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground beef with lower fat content or substitute with ground turkey.
- Ensure cucumber is thoroughly drained when making tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
- Meatballs can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
- Rice can be substituted with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Fresh herbs like mint or oregano can be added to enhance flavor.
