Description
A vibrant Greek Meatball Bowl featuring tender lamb or beef meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, served over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice and topped with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce and crisp fresh vegetables. This wholesome and colorful dish brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in a simple and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bowl Assembly
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Make the Greek Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, chopped dill, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and the meatballs are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked basmati or jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top the Bowls: Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the rice, followed by halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle tzatziki sauce generously over the bowls and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese to finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- To prevent watery tzatziki, make sure to drain the grated cucumber well before mixing.
- Ground lamb provides authentic flavor, but ground beef is a great alternative.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs; for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them.
- Leftover meatballs and tzatziki can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days.
- Adjust seasoning of tzatziki to your preference for more lemon or garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
