Name: Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 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; 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

Jump to Recipe

There’s something undeniably cheerful about digging your fork into a vibrant Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies. This colorful dish packs the bold flavors of tender, aromatic meatballs, tangy tzatziki, fluffy rice, and a rainbow of crisp produce all in one bowl. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a Mediterranean getaway on your kitchen table—fresh, satisfying, customizable, and so much fun to share.

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite its impressive appearance, the ingredient list for this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is refreshingly straightforward. Each item creates a layer of flavor or texture—nothing is here by accident, and you’ll notice the difference with every bite.

Ground beef: Opt for lean beef for meatballs that are juicy yet not greasy.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them delightfully tender.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a herbal freshness and an appealing green fleck to each bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This provides umami depth and a hint of salty nuttiness in each meatball.
Garlic powder: For a mellow, consistent garlic flavor throughout the meatball mix.
Dried oregano: An essential Greek herb; its aroma is the soul of these meatballs.
Ground cumin: Just a touch brings warmth and a slight earthiness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a signature note you’ll find in many authentic Greek meat dishes—don’t skip it!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Olive oil: Drizzled on before baking, it helps the meatballs achieve their golden exterior.
Cooked white rice: The fluffy, neutral base that soaks up all the savory juices and sauces.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness brighten up the bowl.
Cucumber: For cool crunch—choose seedless if you can.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it brings sharpness and a pop of color.
Kalamata olives: Briny, rich, and delicious—these add classic Greek flair.
Tzatziki sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and cooling—don’t be shy with your drizzle!
Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze at the end lifts the whole bowl with its brightness.

How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Get your oven nice and hot at 400°F (200°C)—this ensures the meatballs cook through while developing that golden, slightly crispy exterior. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients and set up your workspace for smooth sailing from start to finish.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan, all the spices, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Mixing by hand is best; you’ll feel when everything comes together. Then, roll into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches round—aim for even sizes so they cook uniformly.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Arrange your meatballs on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking tray, giving them space to brown. Drizzle with olive oil just before baking for a gorgeous finish. Let them roast for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 4: Prep the Veggies and Rice

While the meatballs bake, cook your white rice if it’s not already prepared. Next, slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, then toss them together with the Kalamata olives. This little salad brings color, crunch, and a punch of Mediterranean flavor to your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Begin each bowl with a scoop of rice, then pile on your vibrant veggie medley. Nestle the hot meatballs on top, add a generous spoonful of cool, creamy tzatziki, and finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice over everything. The contrast of temperatures and flavors is irresistible!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Grab a fork and dig in immediately for the best experience—the warm meatballs, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and chilled tzatziki all mingling together to create every bite of the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies perfection.

How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parsley or dill, a crumble of feta cheese, or a light dusting of sumac can take your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies up another notch. A drizzle of good olive oil or an extra wedge of lemon on the side is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Keep things laid-back with warm pita bread or flatbread alongside for scooping up every last bit of meatball and tzatziki. A Greek-inspired salad or roasted veggies are wonderful too, especially if you’re feeding a crowd and want to stretch the meal further.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies into a DIY bar for gatherings—lay out all the elements and let everyone build their ideal bowl. Or, serve in colorful, shallow platters, letting all those gorgeous layers and colors peek through; it’s sure to turn heads at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies components, keep them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the rice and veggies from getting soggy and keeps the meatballs tasting fresh.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely, then pack them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Freeze the rice separately if you’d like, but skip freezing the fresh veggies and tzatziki for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, reheat the meatballs and rice in the microwave or a skillet until piping hot. Assemble your bowl with freshly sliced veggies and plenty of tzatziki just before serving to recapture the magic of the original dish.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely. Ground lamb, chicken, or turkey work wonderfully in this recipe, each lending a unique flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as leaner meats may cook a bit faster.

How can I make the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies gluten free?

Easy! Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs for regular ones and double-check your tzatziki and other packaged ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. You won’t miss out on any flavor or texture.

Can I use brown rice or another grain for the base?

Of course—brown rice, farro, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are all excellent swaps, depending on your preferences or dietary needs. They’ll soak up the tzatziki and add lovely texture to your bowl.

Is there a way to make these meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix, shape, and even bake the meatballs a day ahead. Store them in the fridge, then simply reheat and assemble your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have tzatziki?

If you’re in a pinch, a quick mix of Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, cucumber, salt, and a touch of dill makes a speedy tzatziki dupe. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still taste delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something instantly satisfying about a big, colorful bowl, and this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies delivers big flavor in every bite. It’s a dish anyone can pull off, and it never fails to impress, so gather your ingredients and give it a try—you might just make it your new go-to dinner!

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Greek Meatball Bowl recipe combines flavorful ground beef meatballs with fresh veggies, rice, and a creamy tzatziki sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray.
Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the rice according to package instructions if it’s not already cooked.
In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Toss the vegetables together to combine them evenly.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to rest for a few minutes.
To assemble the bowls, start by placing a portion of cooked rice in each bowl.
Top the rice with the fresh vegetable mixture.
Add several meatballs on top of the vegetables.
Drizzle each bowl with a generous amount of tzatziki sauce.
Finish the bowls by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top.
Serve immediately and enjoy.