Description
A flavorful Greek Meatball Bowl featuring tender oven-baked meatballs seasoned with traditional herbs and spices, served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This balanced and vibrant dish is perfect for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb, or chicken)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix everything until fully incorporated to form the meatball mixture.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and browned on the outside. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions or reheat leftover rice until warm.
- Prepare the Fresh Veggies: Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. If using, slice Kalamata olives for added flavor.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place a serving of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with a few meatballs, fresh veggies, and olives if desired. Drizzle generously with the chilled tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome Greek meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with lamb or chicken depending on preference.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creaminess in the tzatziki sauce.
- If breadcrumbs are a concern, gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Rice types like white, brown, or jasmine all work well in this dish.
- For a dairy-free tzatziki, consider using a coconut or almond-based yogurt alternative.
- Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for convenience.
- Adjust herbs and spices to taste for a personalized flavor profile.
