15-Minute Greek Rice Bowl with Turkey Meatballs

Busy day ahead but still want a delicious, wholesome meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare? Say hello to this 15-Minute Greek Rice Bowl with Turkey Meatballs—the perfect balance of fresh, hearty, and flavorful, all in under 15 minutes. It’s loaded with savory turkey meatballs, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies, topped with a tangy tzatziki sauce that brings everything together in the most delicious way. The best part? It’s quick and easy, making it the ideal dish for those days when time is tight but you still want something satisfying and healthy.

This bowl is great for meal prep too! It’s the kind of dish you can whip up in a flash and enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or a nutritious lunch, this rice bowl is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love 15-Minute Greek Rice Bowl with Turkey Meatballs

Super Quick and Easy

The beauty of this dish is that it comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Packed with Flavor

From the herby, juicy turkey meatballs to the creamy, zesty tzatziki sauce, every bite is bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds!

Healthy and Wholesome

Turkey meatballs are a lean protein, and when paired with rice and fresh veggies, this bowl makes for a balanced, nutrient-packed meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized.

Customizable

Don’t like rice? Swap it for quinoa or couscous. Want to add more crunch? Toss in some olives or roasted red peppers. You can easily tweak this bowl to fit your cravings.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• Ground turkey: The base for our flavorful meatballs—lean and juicy.
• Breadcrumbs: For that perfect binding texture in the meatballs.
• Egg: To help bind the meatballs together and make them nice and tender.
• Garlic: A little garlic adds a punch of savory flavor.
• Dried oregano: Classic Greek flavor that brings the Mediterranean vibe to the dish.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning the meatballs.
• Olive oil: For cooking the meatballs and adding a touch of richness.

For the Rice Bowl:

• Cooked rice: White or brown rice works great as the base, but you can also use quinoa or couscous.
• Cucumber: Fresh, crunchy, and perfect for adding a refreshing crunch to the bowl.
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy bites of tomato for a pop of flavor.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of herbs for a fresh, bright finish.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek yogurt: The creamy base of our tzatziki.
• Cucumber: Grated and mixed with the yogurt to make the sauce cool and refreshing.
• Garlic: A hint of garlic in the tzatziki complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Lemon juice: For a zesty, tangy kick in the sauce.
• Dried dill: Adds a signature flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Make the Turkey Meatballs:

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). This should make around 12 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half—it should be cooked all the way through with no pink inside.

Cook the Rice:

4. Prepare the Rice: While the meatballs are cooking, prepare your rice (if it’s not already cooked). You can make it on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. If you’re using leftover rice, simply heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Prepare the Veggies:

5. Chop the Veggies: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion thinly. Fresh parsley should be chopped up for garnish.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

6. Mix the Tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Rice Bowl:

7. Layer the Bowl: In each bowl, add a scoop of rice as the base. Arrange the cooked meatballs, chopped veggies, and fresh parsley on top of the rice.
8. Drizzle with Tzatziki: Generously drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the top for that creamy, tangy finish.

Serve and Enjoy:

9. Serve Immediately: Serve the bowls while the meatballs are still hot, and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories (depending on portion size and ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve 15-Minute Greek Rice Bowl with Turkey Meatballs

• As a Main Meal: This rice bowl is hearty enough to stand alone as a satisfying dinner or lunch. Perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome and flavorful.
• Meal Prep: The meatballs, rice, and veggies store really well in separate containers. Just add the tzatziki sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat.
• For a Crowd: This dish is easily scalable for larger groups—just double the recipe and serve it as a build-your-own bowl station at a party or family dinner.

Additional Tips

• Add Extra Protein: If you want to make the meal more protein-packed, you can add chickpeas or a hard-boiled egg to the bowl.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier tzatziki, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• Swap the Grains: If you’re not a fan of rice, feel free to swap it with quinoa, couscous, or even a leafy green base like spinach or arugula for a lighter option.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

A1: Yes, ground chicken works just as well! The meatballs will still be juicy and flavorful.

Q2: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought tzatziki works as a quick substitute.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A3: You can prepare the meatballs and tzatziki in advance and store them in the fridge. Just heat the meatballs before assembling the bowl.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate to prevent the veggies from getting soggy.

Q5: Can I freeze the meatballs?

A5: Yes! You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q6: Can I add olives to the bowl?

A6: Definitely! Kalamata olives would be a great addition for extra Mediterranean flair.

Q7: How do I make this dish dairy-free?

A7: You can make a dairy-free tzatziki using dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) and swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Q8: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

A8: Absolutely! Brown rice adds a bit more fiber and texture, but feel free to use whichever you prefer.

Q9: How can I make this spicier?

A9: Add some chili flakes to the tzatziki or toss some chopped jalapeños into the meatball mix for a bit of heat.

Q10: Can I serve this with pita bread?

A10: Yes! Pita bread would make an excellent side for scooping up that tzatziki sauce and adding some extra texture to the bowl.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Greek Rice Bowl with Turkey Meatballs is the epitome of a fast, fresh, and flavorful meal. It’s packed with Mediterranean goodness that’s as healthy as it is delicious. From the juicy meatballs to the creamy tzatziki sauce and the crunchy veggies, every bite is a delight. Perfect for busy days, meal prep, or whenever you want a wholesome meal in no time—this dish will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight rotation.

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