If you’re in the mood for a meal that checks all the boxes — healthy, vibrant, hearty, and downright delicious — then you’re going to fall in love with this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. Imagine juicy, herby meatballs snuggled atop fluffy rice, surrounded by a rainbow of crisp veggies, creamy feta, and a dollop of cool, garlicky tzatziki. It’s kind of the ultimate Mediterranean comfort food, perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or even sharing with friends!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies comes together with a handful of simple, powerful ingredients. Every addition — from fresh herbs to olive oil — brings its own personality and purpose, ensuring every bite is loaded with classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Ground beef or lamb: Choose your favorite or go half-and-half for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Red onion: Finely chopped into the meatballs and sliced among the veggies, it adds both crunch and sweet sharpness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a subtle spicy warmth to the meatballs and tzatziki.
- Fresh parsley: That pop of freshness in every bite — don’t skip it!
- Dried oregano: Earthy, woodsy, and quintessentially Greek, it gives the meatballs classic Mediterranean notes.
- Ground cumin: For a gentle, smoky undertone that rounds out the spices.
- Salt & black pepper: Never underestimate seasoning; use both to wake up the flavors.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
- Breadcrumbs: Soaks up juices, keeping everything cohesive and light.
- Cooked basmati or jasmine rice: Soft and fluffy, it’s the perfect neutral base for soaking up all the good stuff.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness with each bite.
- Cucumber: Adds crunch and a refreshing cooling effect that’s pure Greek joy.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for a creamy, tangy bite and that iconic flavor.
- Tzatziki sauce: Cool, creamy, tangy — this takes the bowl to another level.
- Olive oil: A finishing drizzle elevates every ingredient you touch.
- Lemon wedges: A final squeeze brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by cranking your oven up to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step sets the stage for meatballs that are evenly cooked and perfectly browned — you’ll get that delectable, roasted flavor without any of the fuss or mess.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large bowl, toss together your ground beef or lamb, red onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix just until combined — a gentle hand keeps the meatballs tender. Scoop out a bit of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls, lining them up like little soldiers on your sheet pan.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for beautifully browned, fully cooked meatballs that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. While they bake, you’ll have just enough time to whip up the rest of the bowl, meaning dinner is quick and rewarding.
Step 4: Prep the Rice and Veggies
While those meatballs get golden, cook your basmati or jasmine rice as you like it. Then, chop and slice your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Each element brings its own color, texture, and burst of flavor, layering in that signature Mediterranean freshness.
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Now for the fun part: grab four bowls and scoop in generous mounds of rice. Arrange the juicy meatballs on top, then scatter the tomato halves, cucumber chunks, and sliced red onion around. Sprinkle on crumbled feta cheese, drizzle over tzatziki sauce and olive oil, and serve each bowl with lemon wedges ready for squeezing.
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Garnishes
A Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies truly comes alive with a few well-chosen garnishes. I love a final shower of chopped parsley or dill, an extra drizzle of olive oil, and maybe a handful of briny Kalamata olives for that little something extra. If you’re a lemon fan, serve a wedge (or two!) on the side for bright, fresh zing.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is absolutely satisfying on its own, you can never go wrong with a side of warm, fluffy pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or even a scoop of creamy hummus. These additions make your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies feel like a true Mediterranean spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity run wild! Try layering everything in a big platter for a family-style dinner, or pack the fixings in jars for easy grab-and-go lunches. You could even separate each component atop a platter for everyone to build their dream bowl. The bright colors and fresh flavors guarantee a showstopper every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the freshest flavor, keep the meatballs, rice, veggies, and toppings in separate containers, so everything stays crisp and vibrant until you’re ready for round two.
Freezing
The meatballs themselves are fantastic for freezing! Just let them cool, then pack them into a freezer-friendly container or bag and stash in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge whenever a craving for a Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies strikes. Hold off on freezing the fresh veggies, feta, and tzatziki for best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat your meatballs, a quick stint in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in a skillet works wonders — just add a splash of water to keep them juicy. Rice can be revived the same way. Fresh toppings and tzatziki are best added cold for that crispy-creamy contrast that makes the bowl irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey makes a lighter, but still super flavorful, meatball. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as leaner meats might cook a bit quicker and can dry out if overbaked. A touch of extra olive oil in the mixture can keep things juicy.
What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
It’s easy! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in your meatball mixture and ensure your tzatziki and other toppings are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies are naturally friendly for gluten-free diets.
How can I meal prep Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies?
Prepare all components ahead of time: bake the meatballs, cook the rice, chop the veggies, and portion into individual containers. Store tzatziki in a small separate jar or container to drizzle just before eating. This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream!
Is it possible to make this low-carb?
Definitely! Swap the basmati or jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option that still soaks up all those Greek flavors. Every other component of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies remains deliciously satisfying.
Can I substitute the tzatziki sauce?
If you’re out of tzatziki or want a dairy-free option, try a dairy-free yogurt sauce with dill and cucumber, or simply drizzle a bit of olive oil with a sprinkle of dried herbs. Hummus is another tasty option that pairs beautifully with these Mediterranean flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new weeknight hero or a show-stopping meal for guests, you can’t go wrong with the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. With its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again — and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Print
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: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines flavorful meatballs with fragrant rice, crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and tangy feta cheese. It’s a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies in one bowl.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, red onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice between 4 bowls. Top with meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Add kalamata olives or hummus for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *