Print

Gyro Bowls with Meatballs, Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 82 reviews

This delicious Gyro Bowl recipe features savory lamb or beef meatballs baked to perfection, paired with refreshing homemade tzatziki, zesty lemon rice, and a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. Perfectly balanced Mediterranean flavors come together in this vibrant and easy-to-make bowl, ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground lamb or beef
  • ¼ cup minced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Tzatziki

  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
  • Half of one European cucumber, peeled, grated, and drained
  • 1 cup plain yogurt, drained
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional: use fresh mint and/or dill)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional: use fresh dill and/or mint)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Lemon Rice

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste

For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad

  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced, halved, or chopped
  • 1 cup diced cucumber, drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, to taste

Recommended Garnishes (All Optional)

  • Hummus
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped fresh dill
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Sumac
  • Pitas

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the sheet aside.
  2. Make the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, crumbled feta, Greek seasoning, and salt. Use your hands to gently mix all ingredients until well combined but not overworked, ensuring the meatballs stay tender.
  3. Form the meatballs: Using a scoop with a release handle or your hands, portion and roll the mixture into 14 to 20 evenly sized meatballs. Place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 10 to 14 minutes or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Prepare the other components of the gyro bowls while the meatballs bake.
  5. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: On a cutting board, sprinkle salt over minced or pressed garlic and mash it into a paste using the back of a fork. In a medium bowl, combine the garlic paste, drained grated cucumber, drained plain yogurt, chopped fresh mint and/or dill, freshly ground black pepper, and olive oil. Stir well and adjust salt to taste. Set aside.
  6. Make the lemon rice: In a medium mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly. Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt as needed. Set aside.
  7. Prepare the cucumber and tomato salad: In a small bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced drained cucumber, olive oil, and salt. Gently toss to blend. Adjust salt to taste and set aside.
  8. Assemble the gyro bowls: Divide the lemon rice evenly into serving bowls. Top with baked meatballs, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and the cucumber and tomato salad. Add any optional garnishes like hummus, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, sumac, or pita bread. Serve immediately and enjoy!
  9. Optional cucumber draining method: To properly drain cucumbers, peel and grate or dice them, then squeeze out excess water using paper towels. Place cucumbers in a colander over a bowl, sprinkle liberally with salt, and toss. Let stand for 20 minutes. Transfer to fresh paper towels and press to remove remaining liquid. Optionally rinse with cold water and blot dry to remove excess salt.

Notes

  • For the tzatziki, you can use either fresh mint, fresh dill, or both according to your taste preferences.
  • Drain the cucumbers thoroughly to avoid watery tzatziki and salad. Use the salting and pressing method described in the instructions for best results.
  • Use European cucumbers for the tzatziki for fewer seeds and less bitterness.
  • Feta cheese adds a nice tangy flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
  • Ground lamb provides a more traditional flavor, but ground beef works well as a substitute.
  • Cooking spray ensures the meatballs don’t stick to the baking sheet, producing an even bake.
  • If you want to avoid baking, you can pan-fry meatballs, but baking ensures even cooking and less oil.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/gyro-bowls-with-meatballs-tzatziki-lemon-rice-and-cucumber-salad-recipe/