The Greek Meatball Bowl is a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Imagine juicy meatballs bursting with flavor, nestled in a bed of fluffy rice, surrounded by crisp veggies and drizzled with tangy tzatziki sauce. savory meatloaf alternative Your nose will dance with the aromas of garlic, herbs, and spices, making it nearly impossible to resist. For more inspiration, check out this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe.
This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving comfort food after a long day. I remember the first time I made this bowl; my friends couldn’t get enough! They practically licked their plates clean. perfect weeknight meal Prepare yourself for an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Greek Meatball Bowl is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a cinch
- Bursting with bold flavors, this dish is visually stunning on any table
- Versatile enough to adapt to your favorite ingredients, it’s perfect for meal prep too!
When I first served this dish at my housewarming party, my friends devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days and declared it “life-changing.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Lamb or Beef: Choose your favorite! Lamb offers a rich flavor while beef provides a classic taste.
-
Fresh Parsley: Use chopped fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor.
-
Garlic Cloves: Don’t skimp on garlic; it adds depth and aroma to the meatballs.
-
Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat yogurt for the creamiest tzatziki sauce you can imagine.
-
Cucumber: Grate or finely chop for refreshing crunch in your tzatziki sauce.
-
Rice: Opt for basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant base that complements the meatballs beautifully.
-
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the entire dish!
-
Spices (Oregano & Cumin): These spices bring out the Mediterranean essence in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb or beef with minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix! For more inspiration, check out this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole recipe.
Scoop and Shape: Using wet hands (to prevent sticking), scoop out equal portions of the mixture and roll into balls about the size of golf balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Create Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill or parsley (if desired), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until combined.
Cook Your Rice: In another pot, prepare rice according to package instructions. Fluff it up once it’s cooked—this makes it nice and light!
Assemble Your Bowl: Start with a generous scoop of rice as your base. Top with meatballs and drizzle tzatziki sauce over everything. creamy tomato pasta Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers if you like extra crunch! cheesy dipping sauce.
Prepare yourself for compliments as you serve this vibrant Greek Meatball Bowl. Enjoy every bite as you bask in culinary glory!
You Must Know
- This delightful Greek Meatball Bowl is a symphony of flavors
- The freshness of herbs and spices creates a vibrant dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious
- Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients and letting them rest while you prepare the rice. Cook the meatballs in a skillet until browned, then simmer in sauce for flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add feta cheese to the meatballs for a creamy touch. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly juicy meatballs, do not overmix the meat mixture
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact
- Always let your cooked meatballs rest before serving to lock in moisture
Cooking this Greek Meatball Bowl reminds me of a cozy dinner with my family, where laughter and good food filled the air, creating lasting memories.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs can save time; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I serve with my Greek Meatball Bowl?
Consider serving with pita bread or a simple Greek salad for balance.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs in your meatballs.
Greek Meatball Bowl
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this Greek Meatball Bowl. Juicy, herb-infused meatballs are served atop fluffy rice, accompanied by crisp veggies and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or a comforting weeknight meal, delivering vibrant flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s an unforgettable culinary experience that brings the spirit of Greece right to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground lamb or beef with garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper; mix until just combined.
- Shape mixture into golf-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- While the meatballs bake, mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create tzatziki sauce.
- Prepare rice according to package instructions.
- To serve, place rice in a bowl topped with meatballs and drizzle tzatziki sauce over everything.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg