Name: Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or lamb; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta; 1/4 cup kalamata olives; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re looking for a meal that delivers big, bold flavors while still keeping things fresh and wholesome, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies will absolutely hit the spot. Each bowl is a lively combination of juicy, herb-packed meatballs, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and briny olives, all tied together with a cool, garlicky tzatziki sauce. This dish whisks you straight to the Mediterranean coast—vibrant, filling, and so easy to love, you’ll want to put it into regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is that it’s rooted in easy-to-find ingredients that shine brightest when they’re together. Each component brings something special, whether it’s robust flavor, a pop of color, or a delightful crunch.

Ground Beef or Lamb: Choose your favorite; lamb is traditional for a deeper flavor, while beef keeps things mild and juicy.
Breadcrumbs: Bind the meatballs and keep them exceptionally tender—use gluten-free if you need!
Grated Red Onion: Infuses the meatballs with subtle sweetness and moisture.
Garlic: Doubles up in both meatballs and tzatziki for that unmistakable Mediterranean essence.
Fresh Parsley & Mint: Bring brightness and a sense of freshness to every bite.
Dried Oregano: Adds that classic Greek herbaceous note.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy!
Egg: Acts as the glue to hold the meatballs together.
Cooked Rice: White or brown, your pick—it’s the hearty foundation for the bowls.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they offer a burst of color and vibrance.
Cucumber: Cool and crunchy, ideal for balance.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, zesty kick.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and undeniably Greek—don’t skip it!
Kalamata Olives: Deliver deep, briny richness and Mediterranean flair.
Greek Yogurt: Forms the thick, luscious base for the homemade tzatziki.
Grated Cucumber (for tzatziki): Be sure to squeeze it dry, or your sauce may get watery.
Olive Oil: Rounds out the tzatziki with extra smoothness.
Lemon Juice: Adds zesty brightness to the tzatziki.
Salt & Pepper (for tzatziki): Season to taste for just the right finishing touch.

How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining your ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, grated red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a beaten egg in a large mixing bowl. Mix everything together with clean hands or a gentle spoon until the ingredients are just incorporated—overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so think “tender loving care” here.

Step 2: Form and Bake the Meatballs

Using wet hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re beautiful, browned, and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible—promise.

Step 3: Whip Up Tzatziki Sauce

While your meatballs bake, make the creamy tzatziki sauce. Stir together Greek yogurt, grated and well-squeezed cucumber, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, then pop it in the fridge so the flavors can mingle while everything else comes together.

Step 4: Gather Your Bowl Ingredients

Get your rice ready—either by cooking it fresh (white or brown, dealer’s choice) or by using leftovers to make dinner extra easy. Chop your cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, crumble the feta, and set out those Kalamata olives for easy grabbing.

Step 5: Assemble the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

To build the bowls, divide your prepared rice between four roomy serving bowls. Top each with a generous helping of meatballs, then artfully arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta, and olives. Finish with a luxurious drizzle of chilled tzatziki. Grab a fork, mix it all together, and get ready for bite after irresistible bite!

How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

Garnishes

For those finishing touches, sprinkle each bowl with a bit of extra chopped parsley or mint for an ultra-fresh pop. A squeeze of lemon over the top brightens up all the flavors, and if you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of extra olive oil never hurts!

Side Dishes

This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies stands perfectly on its own, but you can make it even more of a feast with warm pita wedges, a crisp Greek salad, or roasted lemon potatoes. Sometimes, I add a handful of pepperoncini or a few dolmas to lean into the mezze vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, turn this bowl into a DIY Greek meatball platter—lay out the rice, meatballs, veggies, and tzatziki family-style so everyone can create their dream bowl. Or, for meal prep, layer everything (except tzatziki) in portable containers, then add the sauce just before eating for a fresh-tasting lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies components in separate airtight containers to keep the veggies crisp and the rice from turning mushy. Everything will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze wonderfully—simply let them cool, then pack them into freezer bags. The rice can also be frozen in portions, but be sure to skip freezing the fresh veggies and tzatziki, as their textures don’t survive the journey. Thaw meatballs and rice overnight in the fridge for easy, speedy meals.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore their softness. Add the crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki after warming, and your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies will taste wonderfully fresh all over again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for lighter but still flavorful meatballs. Just be aware they cook a little faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early so they stay moist.

What’s the best way to make the dish gluten-free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs, and choose gluten-free grains like brown rice or even cauliflower rice. The rest of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is naturally gluten-free!

Can I make the meatballs and tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s such a time-saver! Prepare both ahead and store in the fridge, assembling bowls when you’re ready to eat. This makes it an ideal meal prep recipe for busy weeks.

What if I don’t like olives or feta?

No problem—just leave them out or sub in another favorite topping. Try sliced avocado, roasted bell peppers, or even a spoonful of hummus for a personalized spin on your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.

How can I lighten up the recipe for a low-carb meal?

Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens, and the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies transforms into a low-carb, high-flavor feast that still satisfies.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a dependable weeknight hero—equal parts comfort food and sunshine on your dinner table. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat. Grab your ingredients, turn up your favorite tunes, and get cooking! Let this bowl bring a taste of the Mediterranean home to you.

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal that is perfect for easy meal prep. Juicy meatballs seasoned with traditional Greek herbs and spices are served with fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a creamy tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

1 pound ground beef or lamb
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg

For the bowls:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup kalamata olives

For the tzatziki:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until just combined. Form into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
While meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki by mixing yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
To assemble bowls, divide cooked rice into 4 bowls. Top with meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives. Drizzle with tzatziki and serve immediately.