Description
Mediterranean flavors shine in this Greek Meatball Bowl, blending juicy seasoned lamb with creamy tzatziki and fragrant rice. Crisp vegetables and herb-infused meatballs create a perfect harmony you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 500 grams (17.6 ounces) ground beef or lamb
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Binding and Supporting Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber (grated and squeezed to remove water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil drizzle
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Craft a robust mixture by thoroughly blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, aromatics like garlic, red onion, and an array of herbs including parsley, dill, oregano. Season generously with cumin, salt, and pepper. Form compact, uniform meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat, introducing a gentle olive oil coating. Sear meatballs for 8-10 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure comprehensive browning and complete internal cooking. Alternatively, roast in a preheated 200C (400F) oven for 20 minutes, carefully flipping midway.
- Craft a vibrant tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt with finely grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, zesty lemon juice, and seasoning. Whisk ingredients until smooth, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Construct individual serving bowls by layering fluffy rice as a foundation. Strategically position cooked meatballs, scatter fresh cherry tomatoes, arrange crisp cucumber slices, and disperse delicate red onion segments.
- Enhance the bowl with a generous tzatziki drizzle, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the surface, and finish with a final olive oil embellishment. Present with lemon wedges to provide a bright, citrusy accent.
Notes
- Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that’s equally delicious and lower in fat.
- Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Fresh herbs are key – they provide brighter flavors compared to dried herbs, so use them when possible for maximum taste impact.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 491 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 195 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg