Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

---

🧆 Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

🍽 Servings: 4

⏱ Total Time: ~45 minutes

---

📝 Ingredients

For the Greek Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, grated or finely chopped

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Zest of 1/2 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)

---

For the Tzatziki:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

---

For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or lemon rice)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup kalamata olives (optional)

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

---

Optional Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp red wine vinegar

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt & pepper to taste

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients (except olive oil).

2. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.

3. Form into 1 to 1.5 inch balls (about 16 meatballs).

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 10–12 minutes total).

5. Transfer to a plate and rest.

---

2. Prepare the Tzatziki:

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towels.

2. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

---

3. Make the Rice & Prep Veggies:

1. Cook rice according to package directions (or use leftover rice).

2. While rice cooks, chop your veggies: halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the onion, crumble the feta.

---

4. Optional: Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper.

2. Drizzle over bowls or serve on the side.

---

5. Assemble the Bowls:

1. Start with a scoop of rice.

2. Add 3–4 meatballs per bowl.

3. Arrange cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta around the bowl.

4. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki.

5. Drizzle with lemon-herb dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice.

6. Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or mint if desired.

---

🔁 Variations

• Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of rice.

• Vegetarian: Swap meatballs for falafel or roasted chickpeas.

• Spicy: Add chili flakes to the meatballs or dressing.