Greek Meatball & Tzatziki Rice Bowls Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
