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Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe

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4.2 from 51 reviews

A flavorful Greek Meatball Bowl featuring savory baked meatballs seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, served over fluffy white rice with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and drizzled with creamy tzatziki sauce and a splash of fresh lemon juice for a vibrant, wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Bowl Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatballs evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to blend until all components are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are packed tightly to hold shape during cooking.
  4. Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for even cooking. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs to enhance browning and moisture.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook the meatballs for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and have a lightly browned exterior.
  6. Prepare Rice and Veggies: While the meatballs bake, cook white rice according to package directions if not pre-cooked. In a separate bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and Kalamata olives, tossing gently to combine.
  7. Rest Meatballs: Once baked, remove meatballs from oven and let them rest for a few minutes to settle juices and finish cooking evenly.
  8. Assemble Bowls: In serving bowls, spoon a base layer of cooked rice. Top with the fresh vegetable mixture, then arrange several meatballs over the vegetables.
  9. Add Tzatziki and Lemon: Drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the meatballs and vegetables, finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  10. Serve: Serve the Greek Meatball Bowls immediately for a warm, fresh, and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • 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 to vary the flavor profile.
  • For a healthier alternative, swap white rice for brown rice.
  • Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation.