Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and wholesome meal that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean? Say hello to the Greek Meatball Bowl! Imagine perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs packed with garlic, herbs, and spices, all paired with creamy homemade tzatziki, a bed of fluffy rice, and a crisp, refreshing medley of veggies. This dish is like a little vacation in a bowl, full of bright, zesty flavors that feel light yet satisfy all your cravings. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy for lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to customize based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Trust me, this bowl will quickly become a go-to favorite!

Why You’ll Love Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

• Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of juicy, herb-packed meatballs with the creamy tzatziki and fresh veggies will have you coming back for more. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite!
• Balanced & Healthy: This bowl is a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. The lean meatballs, paired with the veggies and rice, give you all the nutrition you need without sacrificing taste.
• Easy to Make: Despite how gourmet this dish feels, it’s surprisingly easy to make. The tzatziki is no-fuss, and the meatballs come together in no time. You’ll have dinner ready in under an hour!
• Customizable: Don’t want rice? No problem! You can swap it for quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Want to add more toppings? Feta cheese or olives are always a great choice!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re looking to meal prep, this bowl is perfect. It keeps well in the fridge for several days, so you can make it in advance for lunches or dinners all week.

Ingredients

For the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice, and Fresh Veggies, you’ll need:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb for an extra Mediterranean touch)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (you can use whole wheat or gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (this adds a little warmth and depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil, for frying

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat is preferred for creaminess)
• 1/2 cucumber, finely grated (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice (or any rice you prefer)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
• Salt, to taste

For the Fresh Veggies:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Prepare the Tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.
2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want it to be a bit thicker, you can add more yogurt. Set aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork when done.

Step 3: Make the Meatballs

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Veggies

1. Chop the Veggies: While the meatballs are cooking, prep your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. You can also slice up some Kalamata olives and crumble a bit of feta cheese to sprinkle on top.

Step 5: Assemble the Greek Meatball Bowl

1. Assemble: Once everything is ready, assemble the bowls by layering rice on the bottom, followed by the meatballs, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and the fresh veggies on the side. Garnish with extra feta or olives, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 3mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

• With Warm Pita: Serve the bowl alongside warm pita bread for extra texture and flavor.
• As a Wrap: If you’re on the go, scoop the meatballs, rice, veggies, and tzatziki into a pita or wrap for a Mediterranean-style sandwich.
• As a Salad: For a lighter version, serve the meatballs and tzatziki on top of a bed of greens like spinach or arugula.

Additional Tips

• Make it a Veggie Bowl: For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the meatballs for falafel or roasted chickpeas for a satisfying plant-based option.
• Leftovers: This dish is perfect for meal prep! The meatballs, tzatziki, and rice store well in the fridge for a few days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
• Add More Veggies: If you’re craving more veggies, add some roasted peppers, spinach, or even grilled zucchini to the bowl for extra nutrients and color.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will give the meatballs a lighter, leaner option. You can also use ground chicken.

Q2: Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Tzatziki can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. The flavors actually get better as it sits in the fridge.

Q3: Can I make these meatballs in the oven instead of frying?
A3: Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but will still be juicy and delicious.

Q4: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q5: How do I make this dish spicier?
A5: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or increase the amount of garlic and lemon in the tzatziki for a zesty kick.

Q6: Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?
A6: Yes! Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option and works perfectly with the flavors in this bowl.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store the meatballs, tzatziki, and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q8: Can I add more herbs to the meatballs?
A8: Definitely! Fresh oregano, parsley, or mint would all be great additions to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

Q9: What can I use instead of Parmesan in the meatballs?
A9: You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

Q10: Can I use a store-bought tzatziki?
A10: While homemade tzatziki is always best, a store-bought version can work if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy!

Conclusion

This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice, and Fresh Veggies is everything you crave in one bowl—flavorful, satisfying, and refreshing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, it’s a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s sure to impress. Full of delicious, wholesome ingredients, this bowl will quickly become your new go-to recipe!

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