Greek Meatball & Tzatziki Rice Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Greek Meatball & Tzatziki Rice Bowls bring together warm, savory meatballs with refreshing tzatziki sauce on a bed of fluffy rice. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
• Optional: garlic, herbs, and spices for meatballs and tzatziki

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the ground meat with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Form into evenly sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
3. Step 3: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki by combining diced cucumber with yogurt, and add a pinch of salt, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
4. Step 4: To serve, divide the cooked rice into bowls, top with warm meatballs, and spoon over generous amounts of tzatziki sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix minced garlic, oregano, and parsley into the meat before shaping the meatballs.
• Use brown rice or quinoa as a nutritious alternative to white rice.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh dill to the tzatziki for a brighter taste.
• Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs, rice, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or oven. Serve tzatziki chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well. Adjust seasoning as these meats have a milder flavor than beef or lamb.

How do I keep the meatballs moist and tender?

Don’t overmix the meat, and avoid overbaking. Adding a little grated onion or soaked bread crumbs to the meat mixture can help retain moisture.

Greek Meatball & Tzatziki Rice Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 94 reviews

These Greek Meatball & Tzatziki Rice Bowls combine seasoned, juicy baked meatballs with fluffy rice and a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and wholesome meal inspired by classic Greek ingredients, offering a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fresh cucumber yogurt sauce.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1/4 tsp salt

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until well combined.
2. Form and Bake Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes; then fluff with a fork.
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the rice and meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and chilled.
5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with a generous portion of baked Greek meatballs and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra dill or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• You can use ground beef, lamb, or a mixture for the meatballs to customize flavor.
• For even juicier meatballs, soak breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
• If you prefer, cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor.
• Wrap and refrigerate leftover tzatziki for up to 2 days; it may thicken and can be thinned with a splash of water or lemon juice.
• Serve with additional lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Keywords: Greek meatballs, tzatziki sauce, rice bowls, baked meatballs, easy Greek recipe