If you’re dreaming of a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is your answer. Tender herbed meatballs nestle over fluffy rice, surrounded by crisp veggies and creamy, garlicky tzatziki—every bite is a celebration of Mediterranean freshness. It’s a dish that’s as perfect for meal prep as it is for impressing guests, and I can’t wait for you to try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something so crave-worthy. Each component in this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies brings a unique flavor, texture, or color that makes the whole dish sing.
- Ground beef or lamb: The heart of the meatballs—rich, savory, and full of authentic Greek flavor.
- Bread crumbs: These keep your meatballs tender and help bind everything together.
- Egg: Acts as a binder so your meatballs stay perfectly shaped and juicy.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! It adds aromatic depth to both the meatballs and tzatziki.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens every bite with fresh, herbal notes.
- Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb for that signature Mediterranean taste.
- Ground cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness that makes the meatballs irresistible.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying the meatballs and adding richness to the tzatziki.
- White or brown rice: The perfect base—choose your favorite for a hearty foundation.
- Chopped cucumber: Cool and crisp, adding refreshing crunch to the bowl.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and bursting with color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of zesty sharpness.
- Feta cheese: Creamy, salty crumbles that bring the whole bowl together.
- Kalamata olives (optional): For briny, tangy pops of flavor if you love them!
- Lemon wedges and fresh dill: Essential for garnish, adding brightness and a touch of elegance.
- Greek yogurt: The base for luscious, protein-packed tzatziki.
- Grated cucumber (squeezed dry): Keeps the tzatziki thick and refreshing.
- Lemon juice: A little citrus lifts the whole dish.
- Fresh dill: Aromatic, grassy, and a must for authentic tzatziki.
- Salt and pepper (for tzatziki): Taste and adjust for just the right tangy balance.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meatballs can get tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls; you should get about 16–18 meatballs, perfect for four bowls.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your meatballs in a single layer. Cook, turning every few minutes, until they’re browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. The aroma will have you counting down the seconds until dinner!
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the meatballs are sizzling, whip up the tzatziki. In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid for a thick sauce), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well and pop it in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.
Step 4: Prep the Fresh Veggies
Chop your cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If you’re including Kalamata olives, give them a quick chop or leave them whole for a dramatic look. Crumble the feta and set everything out for easy assembly.
Step 5: Assemble the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Divide your cooked rice between four bowls. Top each with a generous helping of meatballs, then pile on the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and olives. Drizzle with the chilled tzatziki, and finish with lemon wedges and fresh dill for that restaurant-worthy touch. Your gorgeous Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A sprinkle of fresh dill and a few lemon wedges not only brighten up the presentation, but also add a zesty, herby hit that ties all the flavors together. If you love a little crunch, try adding some toasted pine nuts or a handful of microgreens for a chef’s kiss moment.
Side Dishes
This Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a meal in itself, but if you want to go all out, serve it with warm pita bread, a classic Greek salad, or some roasted chickpeas. These sides add even more texture and make your dinner feel like a Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the components deconstructed on a platter so everyone can build their own bowl. Or, layer everything in a large serving dish for a family-style centerpiece. You can even pack the bowls into jars for a picnic or on-the-go lunch—the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies travels beautifully!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store each component—meatballs, rice, veggies, and tzatziki—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the veggies from getting soggy. The Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies makes a stellar lunch the next day.
Freezing
The meatballs can be frozen for up to three months. Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Rice also freezes well, but the veggies and tzatziki are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch and creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist. Add the fresh veggies and tzatziki after warming—this way, your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies tastes just as fresh as day one.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lighter option and works beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as turkey cooks a bit faster and can dry out if overdone.
What’s the best rice to use for this bowl?
Both white and brown rice work well, so it’s really up to your preference. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while white rice is tender and classic. For extra Greek flair, try lemon rice!
Can I make this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the meatballs, rice, and tzatziki in advance and store them separately. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep the veggies crisp and flavors fresh.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the meatballs for falafel or roasted chickpeas and keep all the delicious toppings. The tzatziki and veggie-rich base will still make for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It’s actually one of my favorite meal prep recipes! The Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies holds up well in the fridge, and you can easily pack individual portions for quick, nourishing lunches or dinners all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with color, flavor, and goodness, you simply have to try the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share with friends—trust me, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy Greek Meatball Bowl featuring flavorful meatballs made with ground beef or lamb, served over rice with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, Kalamata olives, and topped with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a wholesome dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
- Lemon wedges and fresh dill for garnish
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Chill the tzatziki to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with the cooked meatballs, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives if using. Drizzle generous amounts of chilled tzatziki over the top. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey as a lighter alternative to beef or lamb for the meatballs.
- Adding hummus or roasted chickpeas to the bowls increases protein content and variety.
- These bowls are excellent for meal prep; store the meatballs, rice, veggies, and tzatziki separately and assemble just before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
