If you’re craving something utterly satisfying, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flair, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is your ticket to a delicious adventure. Imagine juicy, aromatic meatballs nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, surrounded by a rainbow of crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, briny olives, and a sprinkle of feta. Every bite is a fresh and hearty celebration, perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend meal. This is a recipe that brings everyone to the table, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is that every ingredient truly shines. From the savory meatballs to the tangy tzatziki and the crisp veggies, each component brings its own magic to the party. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- Ground lamb or beef: The star of the show—choose lamb for authenticity or beef for a milder flavor, both yield juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, keeping those delicious meatballs perfectly tender and together.
- Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs structure and help lock in moisture.
- Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic depth—don’t skimp if you love Greek flavor!
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a slight bite and lovely sweetness.
- Fresh parsley: Lends freshness and a pop of color to the meatballs.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses the dish with earthy flavor.
- Ground cumin: Brings warmth and subtle spice, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick and balance.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the meatballs, it adds richness and keeps things from sticking.
- Basmati or jasmine rice: The base of your bowl—light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
- Water or broth: Cooking your rice in broth boosts savoriness and depth.
- Tzatziki sauce: Creamy, tangy, and refreshing; it ties the whole bowl together.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and hydrating—just what you want in every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy pops of color and sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and a subtle, sweet earthiness.
- Kalamata olives: Briny and bold, these are a must for true Mediterranean flavor.
- Feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and crumbly—an irresistible finishing touch.
- Lemon wedges: For that bright, zesty squeeze right before serving.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by preparing your rice according to the package instructions, using water or broth for extra flavor. Fluffy, fragrant rice is the perfect foundation for your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. While the rice cooks, you’ll have plenty of time to prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground lamb or beef, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, red onion, fresh parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls; you should get about 20 meatballs, just right for four generous bowls.
Step 3: Sear and Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes. The aroma at this stage is positively irresistible! Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and keep them warm.
Step 4: Prep the Fresh Veggies
While the meatballs are cooking, slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and cut the red bell pepper into thin strips. Set out the kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese. Having everything prepped and ready makes bowl assembly a breeze.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with a generous portion of meatballs, arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and olives around the bowl, then sprinkle with feta cheese. Add a big spoonful of tzatziki sauce in the center or drizzle over the top. This is where the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies truly comes to life!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish each bowl with a wedge of lemon for squeezing, and serve immediately. The combination of warm, savory meatballs with cool tzatziki and crisp veggies is simply unbeatable.
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a few more crumbles of feta, or an additional dash of black pepper can make each bowl look (and taste) even better. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—one quick squeeze brightens up all the flavors in this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Side Dishes
While these bowls are hearty enough to stand on their own, you can pair them with warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or roasted potatoes for a feast-worthy spread. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with cucumber slices also complements the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies “family style” on a big platter, letting everyone build their own bowl. Or, for meal prep, layer ingredients in jars for grab-and-go lunches—they look gorgeous and taste just as fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs and rice keep well for up to 4 days, while the veggies and tzatziki are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for maximum crunch and freshness.
Freezing
The meatballs freeze beautifully! Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Rice can also be frozen, but avoid freezing the fresh vegetables and tzatziki for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things moist. Assemble your bowl with fresh veggies and tzatziki just before serving for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I make the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and rice in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and assemble with fresh veggies and tzatziki for a meal that tastes freshly made.
What can I substitute for lamb or beef in the meatballs?
Ground chicken or turkey are both fantastic lighter options and still pack in plenty of flavor. You can even try a plant-based ground meat substitute if you’d like to make a vegetarian Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make this bowl completely gluten-free. Double-check your tzatziki and feta as well to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How spicy are these meatballs?
These meatballs are fragrant and savory but not spicy at all. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the meatball mix or a drizzle of hot sauce on your finished bowl works wonders.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Definitely! While homemade tzatziki is always a treat, a good quality store-bought version keeps this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies weeknight-friendly and super convenient.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bowl that’s bursting with flavor, color, and wholesome ingredients, you can’t go wrong with the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Give it a try—you’ll be making it on repeat before you know it!
Print
Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Greek Meatball Bowl featuring savory lamb or beef meatballs, fragrant basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead and customized to your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 cups water or broth
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati or jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef with the egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with the freshly cooked meatballs, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper slices, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Tzatziki and Serve: Spoon tzatziki sauce generously over each bowl. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground chicken or turkey for the lamb or beef.
- Meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Swap basmati or jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a heartier, whole-grain option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and add more fresh herbs like mint or dill for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
