The Greek Meatball Bowl is a vibrant celebration of flavors, where juicy, tender meatballs take center stage. The tzatziki sauce, with its cool, creamy texture, brings a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs, making each bite feel like a delicious harmony. The rice serves as the perfect base, fluffy and warm, soaking up all the flavorful juices. And then there are the fresh veggies—crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of red onion—each adding their own burst of color and crunch. Together, these ingredients create a balanced, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick weeknight treat. Every bite feels like a mini celebration of Greek cuisine, with that delightful mix of Mediterranean spices and textures coming together so effortlessly. And don’t be shy—add a little extra tzatziki for dipping. It’s one of those meals where the flavors just keep getting better with every bite.
Key Ingredients in Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Every ingredient in this Greek Meatball Bowl plays a crucial role in bringing balance and flavor to the dish. From the savory meatballs to the creamy tzatziki sauce, each element adds something unique. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this meal so irresistible:
* Ground Beef
The base of the meatballs, ground beef provides richness and flavor, delivering that satisfying bite that anchors the whole dish.
* Breadcrumbs
These help bind the meatball mixture together, ensuring a tender, juicy texture while absorbing all the delicious spices.
* Fresh Parsley
A fresh burst of green to complement the savory meatballs, parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that lightens up the richness of the beef.
* Grated Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan contributes a savory, slightly nutty flavor, making the meatballs even more delicious and adding depth to the overall dish.
* Garlic Powder
Garlic powder brings a warm, aromatic note to the meatballs without overpowering the other ingredients, enhancing the dish’s Mediterranean flavors.
* Dried Oregano
A classic Mediterranean herb, oregano imparts a slightly peppery, earthy flavor to the meatballs, reinforcing the Greek-inspired seasoning.
* Ground Cumin
Cumin adds a subtle warmth and depth, bringing out a hint of smokiness that complements the beef and balances the freshness of the veggies.
* Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon’s slightly sweet, aromatic flavor pairs perfectly with cumin, creating a harmonious, warm spice blend in the meatballs.
* Salt
Salt enhances all the natural flavors in the dish, bringing out the richness of the meatballs and ensuring the entire bowl is well-seasoned.
* Black Pepper
A dash of black pepper adds a mild heat, rounding out the seasoning and giving the meatballs a little kick.
* Olive Oil
Used for sautéing the meatballs, olive oil adds richness and a subtle fruitiness, helping to crisp up the exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
* Cooked White Rice
The fluffy rice serves as the perfect base for the bowl, soaking up all the juices and providing a neutral, comforting element to balance the flavors.
* Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and slight acidity, cutting through the richness of the meatballs and tzatziki.
* Cucumber
Crisp and refreshing, cucumber provides a cool contrast to the warm, spiced meatballs, adding texture and a light crunch.
* Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor, giving the bowl a touch of zesty contrast that brightens the dish.
* Kalamata Olives
These olives bring a briny, tangy punch that elevates the Greek flavors and adds another layer of texture to the bowl.
* Tzatziki Sauce
Creamy and cool, tzatziki is the heart of this dish, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs and rice, with its cucumber, garlic, and yogurt blend.
* Fresh Lemon Juice
A splash of lemon juice provides acidity and brightness, helping to balance the richness of the dish and bring out the fresh flavors in the veggies.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until evenly combined.
4. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
7. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
8. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the rice according to package instructions if it’s not already cooked.
9. In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
10. Toss the vegetables together to combine them evenly.
11. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to rest for a few minutes.
12. To assemble the bowls, start by placing a portion of cooked rice in each bowl.
13. Top the rice with the fresh vegetable mixture.
14. Add several meatballs on top of the vegetables.
15. Drizzle each bowl with a generous amount of tzatziki sauce.
16. Finish the bowls by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top.
17. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions for Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
* Add a side of pita bread – Warm, soft pita bread is the perfect accompaniment to scoop up any extra tzatziki or meatball juices left in the bowl. It also adds a nice contrast to the crunchy veggies!
* Top with feta cheese – Crumbled feta cheese is an excellent addition if you want a little extra creamy saltiness. It complements the tangy tzatziki and brings a richer flavor to the dish.
* Serve with a chilled white wine – A crisp, refreshing glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the vegetables and the spiced meatballs, enhancing the Mediterranean vibes.
How to Store Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
To keep your Greek Meatball Bowl fresh and flavorful for later, follow these simple storage tips:
* Store meatballs and rice separately – If you’re planning to keep leftovers, it’s best to store the meatballs and rice in separate airtight containers. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too soggy or absorbing too much of the meatball juices.
* Keep the tzatziki on the side – Tzatziki sauce is best stored separately from the meatballs and veggies to keep it fresh and prevent it from getting soggy. Store it in a small container in the fridge and add it right before serving.
* Reheat gently – When reheating the meatballs and rice, use a microwave or heat them gently on the stove over low heat to maintain their texture. Just be sure to warm up the tzatziki separately, as it doesn’t need to be heated.
This way, your leftovers will taste just as delicious the next day!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a Greek Meatball Bowl that’s not only bursting with flavor but also super satisfying and easy to make! From the juicy, spiced meatballs to the creamy tzatziki, and the crisp, fresh veggies, this bowl is a little bite of the Mediterranean that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of Greek cuisine into your kitchen, whether for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Feel free to print out this recipe and save it for later so you always have it on hand when you’re craving something delicious and vibrant. I’d love to hear how your Greek Meatball Bowl turns out—did you make any tweaks or additions? Any tips to share with fellow food lovers? Don’t hesitate to drop me a comment or reach out with any questions. I’m always here to help and would love to hear your thoughts on this tasty dish!
Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Description
A vibrant Greek-inspired bowl featuring tender, juicy meatballs packed with herbs and spices, served over fluffy rice. Topped with creamy tzatziki, crisp fresh veggies, and a drizzle of olive oil, it's a refreshing, flavorful bite in every spoonful!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
-
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until evenly combined.
-
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
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Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray.
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Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
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Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
-
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the rice according to package instructions if it’s not already cooked.
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In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
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Toss the vegetables together to combine them evenly.
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Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to rest for a few minutes.
-
To assemble the bowls, start by placing a portion of cooked rice in each bowl.
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Top the rice with the fresh vegetable mixture.
-
Add several meatballs on top of the vegetables.
-
Drizzle each bowl with a generous amount of tzatziki sauce.
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Finish the bowls by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
Note
- Ensure meatballs are packed tightly to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for the ground beef for a different flavor.
- For a lighter option, use brown rice instead of white rice.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
