Name: Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or lamb; 1/4 cup grated onion; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or lemon rice); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/2 cucumber (sliced or diced); 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup kalamata olives (halved); 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed dry); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re hungry for a meal that’s as colorful and lively as it is nourishing, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is going to become your new obsession. Imagine savory, herb-packed meatballs nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, surrounded with crisp vegetables and briny bursts of kalamata olive, all tied together with the heavenly creaminess of homemade tzatziki. Every bite brings together bold Mediterranean flavors, tangy brightness, and satisfying texture — plus, it’s a cinch to prep and endlessly customizable. This dish is proof that feel-good food can be vibrant, fresh, and absolutely crave-worthy.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to fall in love with how simple these wholesome ingredients are, yet how much impact they bring to the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum taste, an appealing presentation, and that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.

Ground beef or lamb: The base of your meatballs; lamb delivers authenticity, while beef keeps things classic and familiar.
Grated onion: Adds juicy sweetness directly to the meatball mixture, making every bite tender and aromatic.
Garlic (minced): A Mediterranean essential for depth and a subtle kick.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and create a light, tender texture.
Egg: The magic ingredient that holds everything together in meatball form.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Injects a burst of freshness and color in every bite.
Dried oregano: Brings earthy, herbal flavor that’s impossibly Greek.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight every other flavor.
Cooked rice: The hearty base, perfect for soaking up meatball juices and creamy tzatziki (use white, brown, or even lemon rice as you wish).
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Sweet, juicy pops of color and freshness.
Cucumber (sliced or diced): Cool, crisp, and refreshing — a must for balance.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Adds zesty sharpness and a little crunch.
Kalamata olives (halved): Briny bites that scream Greek!
Feta cheese (crumbled): Salty, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for your dreamy tzatziki sauce.
Cucumber (grated, squeezed dry): Keeps your sauce thick and fresh.
Garlic (minced): For that classic tzatziki flavor and just the right zing.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the yogurt.
Olive oil: Smooths out the sauce and adds a subtle richness.
Fresh dill (chopped): Essential for that herbal, summery tzatziki taste.
Salt and pepper to taste: The final touch to perfect your sauce.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything is combined — don’t overwork it, or your meatballs might get tough. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Pop your tray of meatballs into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown exterior and an interior that’s cooked through and juicy. The aroma will fill your kitchen and get everyone excited before you even assemble your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.

Step 3: Whip Up Homemade Tzatziki

While the meatballs do their thing, make that creamy, herby tzatziki. In a bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber (to keep it thick), garlic, bright lemon juice, silky olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Let it chill in the fridge — this lets the flavors really develop and keeps the sauce extra refreshing.

Step 4: Build the Ultimate Bowls

It’s assembly time! Spoon cooked rice into each of four bowls. Arrange a generous scoop of meatballs on top, followed by neat piles of halved cherry tomatoes, sliced or diced cucumber, thin red onion, rich kalamata olive halves, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta. Don’t forget a big spoonful of tzatziki draped across the top — it ties the whole Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies together in the most satisfying way.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

With everything looking gorgeous, take a second to add any extras you love: a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a few grinds of fresh black pepper. These are the final notes that will make your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies sing!

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

Garnishes

Garnishing your bowl goes far beyond making it look pretty (though, honestly, this dish is a show-stopper). Sprinkle fresh herbs like extra dill or parsley over the top, add a quick grate of lemon zest, or tuck in a few wedges of warm pita. Even a drizzle of fruity olive oil can make every bite feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

If you’re looking to round out your meal, try serving pita wedges, a crisp Greek salad, or roasted lemon potatoes alongside your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. A handful of crunchy chickpeas or some grilled veggies further amps up the Mediterranean vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends or just want to switch it up? Turn this bowl into a DIY bar, letting everyone customize their toppings. For a picnic-friendly twist, stuff all the fixings (rice, meatballs, veggies, and tzatziki) into pita pockets for portable Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream with this recipe. Store the rice, meatballs, veggies, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers. When kept chilled, everything will stay fresh for up to four days, making lunch or dinner a breeze all week long.

Freezing

The cooked meatballs freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container and stash in the freezer for up to three months. Rice can also be frozen (just pack it in a portioned bag), but save the veggies and tzatziki for assembly day for that just-made freshness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the meatballs and rice in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. Serve with freshly chopped veggies and a dollop of cold tzatziki to keep that satisfying contrast of hot and cool in every bite of your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb?

Absolutely! While the flavors will be lighter, ground turkey or chicken both work well in this recipe. Just be sure not to overcook, as leaner meats can dry out more quickly.

Is there a gluten-free option for the meatballs?

You can easily swap the traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, oat flour, or even crushed rice cakes so everyone can enjoy this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.

What’s the best rice to use?

Go with your favorite! White rice makes for a soft, classic base, brown rice gives a nutty, wholesome flavor, and lemon rice adds an extra citrusy zing that matches perfectly with the tzatziki.

Can I prep components ahead of time?

Yes! The meatballs, rice, and tzatziki sauce can all be made in advance and stored, making it easy to throw together a bowl whenever you’re hungry. The veggies are quickest to prep fresh, but can also be chopped up to a day ahead.

How do I make this vegetarian?

For a totally veggie Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies, replace the meatballs with falafel or seasoned chickpea patties. Everything else stays the same delicious way!

Final Thoughts

Packed full of flavor, freshness, and simple joy, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is proof that healthy comfort food can be as easy as it is impressive. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation — and your most-requested meal among friends and family!

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of Greece with this delicious Greek Meatball Bowl featuring juicy meatballs, fragrant rice, fresh veggies, tangy tzatziki sauce, and creamy feta cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

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

For the Bowl:

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

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until just combined. Form into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and chill until ready to use.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Spoon tzatziki sauce over the top and serve immediately.