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
Scale
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
