If you’re searching for a meal that’s as vibrant and satisfying as a Greek summer day, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is about to become your new obsession. This dish brings together juicy, herb-laced meatballs, creamy homemade tzatziki, fluffy rice, and a rainbow of crisp, fresh veggies all in one bowl. It’s a Mediterranean feast that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor—sure to impress your family or guests, and perfect for meal prep, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to layer in bold, fresh flavors and a medley of textures. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to guarantee every bite is unforgettable!
- Ground beef or lamb: Choose high-quality meat for the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs—lamb brings a classic Greek touch, while beef is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Grated red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the meatballs, keeping them tender and aromatic.
- Garlic: Essential for that signature Mediterranean aroma—don’t skimp!
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and give them a light, delicate texture.
- Egg: Acts as the glue, holding your meatballs together during cooking.
- Fresh parsley & dill or mint: These herbs infuse the meatballs with color and a burst of freshness—use both for maximum flavor!
- Dried oregano: For that unmistakable Greek essence; just a teaspoon goes a long way.
- Salt & black pepper: Season generously to enhance every layer of taste.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying the meatballs and enriching the overall flavor.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The fluffy, hearty base for your bowl—choose your favorite kind.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color—halved for easy eating.
- Cucumber: Brings crunch and refreshing brightness, both diced for the bowl and grated for the tzatziki.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, tangy bite that ties the veggies together.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny, savory flavor is classic Greek and offers a punch of umami.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and absolutely essential—don’t skip it!
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze over the top brings everything to life with zesty brightness.
- Greek yogurt: The base for your tzatziki, making it rich and creamy with a satisfying tang.
- Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh dill: The dream team for an authentic, flavorful tzatziki sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring your sauce is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Start things off with the creamy, tangy tzatziki—it’s easy and so much tastier than store-bought! In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt with grated and squeezed-dry cucumber, a splash of olive oil, tangy lemon juice, minced garlic, and plenty of chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then let it chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to mingle and become ultra-refreshing, setting the perfect tone for your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine your ground beef or lamb, grated red onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped herbs, oregano, salt, and pepper. The trick here is to mix gently—just enough to bring everything together—so the meatballs stay tender. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into small, uniform balls; this ensures even cooking and makes them perfect for bowl assembly later!
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add your meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re golden-brown on all sides and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes total. The sizzling sound and mouthwatering aroma will have everyone peeking into the kitchen! Set the meatballs aside on a plate while you get the rest of your bowl ingredients ready.
Step 4: Prep the Fresh Veggies
While the meatballs are sizzling, chop up your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and pit the Kalamata olives if needed. Crumble the feta cheese and cut some lemon wedges. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes assembly a breeze and keeps your veggies crisp and colorful.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Here’s where the magic happens: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls, then artfully arrange the meatballs, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta on top. Add a generous spoonful of your homemade tzatziki, and don’t forget those lemon wedges. Every bite of Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a celebration of texture and taste!
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Garnishes
For that final flair, sprinkle your bowl with a bit more fresh dill or parsley, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and a dusting of cracked black pepper. A few extra crumbles of feta never hurt! Garnishes not only make your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies look irresistible, but they add layers of flavor and freshness in every bite.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a meal on its own, but if you want to build out your spread, try serving with warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad, or some homemade hummus. These sides complement the hearty, zesty flavors of your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies and make dinner feel like a true Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a DIY dinner party by laying out all the components family-style and letting everyone build their own bowls. For a fun twist, serve the meatballs as appetizers with tzatziki for dipping, or pack everything into pita pockets for a portable Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep each component—meatballs, rice, veggies, and tzatziki—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps everything stay fresh and prevents the rice or veggies from getting soggy. When stored properly, leftovers should last up to 4 days, so they’re perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
The meatballs freeze beautifully! After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The rice can also be frozen, but it’s best to prep fresh veggies and tzatziki when you’re ready to serve for optimal texture and taste in your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Reheating
Warm the meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to help them stay moist. Assemble your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies with fresh veggies and sauce just before serving for that just-made flavor and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both fantastic, lean alternatives that work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if needed, since these meats are milder than beef or lamb.
How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
The keys are not overmixing the meat mixture and making sure to include both the breadcrumbs and egg. These binders help hold everything together during cooking, resulting in perfectly shaped, tender meatballs for your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Is there a dairy-free option for the tzatziki?
Yes! Swap in your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond-based) for the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki. The result is still creamy and tangy, perfect for drizzling over your bowl.
Can I make this bowl gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and double-check that your feta and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve over a base of rice or even quinoa for a completely gluten-free Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
For easy meal prep, store the meatballs, rice, and tzatziki separately in the fridge, and prep your veggies just before eating. Assemble your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies fresh each day for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, comforting, and a little bit exotic, you simply have to try the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and plenty of “just one more bite” moments. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s as easy as it is unforgettable!
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Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and wholesome Greek Meatball Bowl featuring tender meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, served over rice with crisp fresh veggies and topped with creamy, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce. This vibrant and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner packed with protein, fiber, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup grated red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges for serving
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef or lamb, grated red onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, dill or mint, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each, to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly between 4 bowls. Top each bowl with cooked meatballs, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Tzatziki and Serve: Spoon a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce over each bowl. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, enhancing the fresh flavors.
Notes
- For meal prep, store the meatballs, rice, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Swap ground beef or lamb with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add a side of hummus or crispy pita chips for extra texture and flavor variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
