The Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is an explosion of Mediterranean flavors in every bite—imagine tender, herby meatballs nestled atop fluffy rice, crowned with cooling homemade tzatziki and a rainbow of crisp, vibrant veggies. This bowl is a celebration of color, flavor, and balanced nutrition, bringing together classic Greek tastes in an easy-to-love meal that’s as perfect for weeknights as it is for casual entertaining. With plenty of freshness, a tangy kick from feta and olives, and a creamy swirl of yogurt sauce, this bowl has everything you crave in a single, satisfying dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is how its simple, honest ingredients each play a starring role. Every component—whether it’s juicy tomatoes, spiced meatballs, or creamy tzatziki—adds something special to the finished dish, making it both wholesome and irresistibly tasty.
- Ground beef or lamb: Traditional, robust Mediterranean flavor—feel free to use your favorite or a mixture for depth.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sweetness and beautiful color in the meatballs and bowl toppings.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic gives the meatballs and tzatziki irresistible punch.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings an herbal lift, freshness, and that classic Greek vibrancy.
- Dried oregano: A staple Greek herb, adding earthy, aromatic undertones to the meatballs.
- Ground cumin: Warm, slightly smoky notes enhance the savory flavor profile.
- Salt & black pepper: Crucial seasoning—brings out all the other flavors.
- Egg: Binds your meatballs together for the perfect tender texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Keep each meatball moist and light—panko or regular work well.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Soft and neutral, rice makes the ideal base for soaking up all the delicious juices and sauces.
- Chopped cucumber: Crisp, cooling crunch for both the bowl and the tzatziki.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweet juiciness brings a burst of color and brightness.
- Sliced red onion: A little bite, hint of sharpness, and beautiful vivid hue.
- Kalamata olives: Salty, savory, and satisfyingly meaty—pure Greek essence.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just the thing for a little extra decadence.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Thick, rich, and protein-packed—forms the base of our irresistible tzatziki.
- Grated cucumber (for tzatziki): Be sure to squeeze it dry to keep the sauce creamy, not watery.
- Lemon juice: Fresh and zingy, sharpens and brightens every layer of flavor.
- Olive oil: Just a touch adds silkiness to the tzatziki and brings everything together.
- Small garlic clove (for tzatziki): A little goes a long way in this creamy yogurt sauce.
- Salt and pepper (for tzatziki): Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first: crank your oven up to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This helps the meatballs brown up perfectly and makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Step 2: Mix and Roll the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine your ground meat, finely chopped onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon and mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs can get tough. Scoop out heaping tablespoons and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing each one on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Slide your sheet pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are beautifully browned and cooked through. Their tempting aroma will have everyone hovering near the kitchen, trust me!
Step 4: Whip Up the Tzatziki
While the meatballs bake, get your tzatziki ready. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated (squeezed-dry) cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Chill the sauce in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble—this lets all those big, bright flavors meld together.
Step 5: Assemble the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Time for the best part! Start by dividing warm cooked rice between four bowls. Top each with three or four meatballs, then sprinkle over chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Finish with a generous drizzle of your homemade tzatziki. Add extra herbs or lemon, and you’ve just built the dreamiest Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies!
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl even more, garnish with extra fresh parsley, a sprinkle of oregano, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. These finishing touches amplify the flavors and add gorgeous color—plus they make each bowl look like it came straight from your favorite Greek bistro.
Side Dishes
Although the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with warm pita bread, homemade hummus, or a classic Greek salad for a true Mediterranean feast. Some roasted veggies or dolmas also make excellent, flavor-packed companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Shake things up by serving your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies “family style” on a big platter—let everyone build their own perfect bowl. Or, for party appetizers, serve mini meatballs topped with a dollop of tzatziki on cucumber rounds for a fun, bite-sized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies components in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This preserves freshness and keeps everything tasting bright and delicious for up to 3 days—just assemble fresh bowls as needed.
Freezing
The cooked meatballs freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best texture. Keep tzatziki and fresh veggies separate; those are best made fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep things moist. Assemble your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies as usual with fresh toppings and sauce so every bite tastes just as good as day one.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work great—just be sure not to overbake, as leaner meats can dry out more quickly. A splash of olive oil in the mix can help keep things juicy.
Is there a good low-carb substitute for rice?
Yes! Cauliflower rice or even a bed of shredded romaine are awesome low-carb swaps in the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies—both options stay fresh and soak up all the yummy flavors.
Can I make the meatballs ahead?
You sure can. The meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated up to a day in advance, or baked and reheated when you’re ready to assemble your bowls. They’re just as tasty the next day!
What’s the best way to keep tzatziki from getting watery?
The secret is squeezing the grated cucumber very well before mixing—this prevents extra moisture from thinning your sauce and keeps it super creamy for your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, with a few swaps! Use plain dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and skip or replace the feta with a plant-based alternative. The Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies still shines with zingy herbs and fresh veggies.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with Mediterranean sunshine in every bite, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is destined to become a new favorite for easy lunches, wholesome dinners, or friendly gatherings. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Print
Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal. Flavorful meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and a variety of fresh vegetables come together in a satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons 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
For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tzatziki:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki by mixing together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and chill until ready to serve.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the rice among 4 bowls, then top each with 3–4 meatballs, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta. Drizzle with tzatziki and garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice or chopped romaine.
- You can also make the meatballs in advance and reheat them before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
