🧡 Introduction
Looking for a meal that hits all the notes—bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, and eye-catching presentation? This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is the Mediterranean-inspired lunch or dinner you didn’t know you needed.
It’s a well-balanced bowl featuring juicy herb-packed meatballs, a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, a base of fluffy rice, and crisp fresh vegetables. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving guests, this dish is a colorful, protein-packed crowd-pleaser.
🌟 Why I Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this bowl:
- Customizable and healthy – Easily adapt it to low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.
- Meal prep friendly – Everything can be prepped in advance and assembled in minutes.
- Packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor – Dill, lemon, feta, and garlic bring it all to life.
- Beautiful and satisfying – A complete, vibrant meal in one bowl.
For more clean, fresh favorites, I also love serving this alongside a light, tangy chicken salad or sipping blueberry lemonade on the side.
📝 Ingredients
For the Greek Meatballs 🍖
- 500g ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce 🌿
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Bowl Base 🍚
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice
For the Fresh Veggies 🥗
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For Garnish (Optional) 🌿
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil drizzle
- Lemon wedges for serving
🔄 Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Meat options: Ground chicken or turkey also work well.
- Low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt or another plant-based alternative in the tzatziki.
- Add-ins: Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or artichokes are amazing extras.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.
Roll into small meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs
Option 1 – Pan-fry:
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Sear meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
Option 2 – Bake:
Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Prepare the Tzatziki
In a bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Bowl
In 4 bowls, divide your rice base. Add a few meatballs to each bowl. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
5. Drizzle and Garnish
Drizzle with chilled tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with feta, drizzle olive oil, and serve with lemon wedges.
✅ Tips for Success
- Dry your cucumbers well for a thick, creamy tzatziki.
- Chill the sauce at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan if pan-frying—do it in batches for even browning.
- Make a double batch of meatballs to freeze for a future bowl night!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out beautifully with:
- Blueberry Lemonade for a bright, refreshing sip
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas if you’re feeding picky eaters
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins for a surprising sweet finish
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Meatballs: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Best used within 3 days for peak freshness.
- Veggies and Rice: Store separately to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.
Assemble fresh bowls daily or pack everything in bento-style containers for grab-and-go lunches.
🥗 More Recipes You’ll Love
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Edible Cookie Dough
💬 Final Thoughts
This Greek Meatball Bowl is colorful, nutrient-dense, and full of personality—just like your favorite Mediterranean vacation on a plate. It’s easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and endlessly adaptable for your cravings and pantry staples.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment or tag us on Instagram @chefmaniac—I’d love to see how you build your bowls! And don’t forget to subscribe for more flavor-packed ideas sent straight to your inbox.
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