Name: Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken or turkey (or ground beef or lamb); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free for gluten-free option); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat); 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp pepper (adjust to taste); 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 1 cup fresh veggies (e.g., diced tomatoes and bell peppers)

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If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, nourishing, and packed with Mediterranean magic, the Greek Meatball Bowl is exactly what your taste buds are begging for. This delightful bowl brings together juicy, herb-infused meatballs baked to golden perfection, creamy homemade tzatziki, fluffy rice, and crisp fresh veggies—all marrying harmoniously in every bite. The Greek Meatball Bowl isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect Greek Meatball Bowl. From the fresh herbs that bring brightness to the meatballs to the creamy tanginess of the tzatziki, every item adds its unique punch of flavor, texture, or color to this dish.

1 lb ground chicken or turkey: Choose lean meat to keep the meatballs tender and juicy, although beef or lamb are delicious alternatives.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These bind everything together while adding a subtle texture—gluten-free crumbs work great if needed.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley adds a fresh, vibrant contrast that awakens the palate.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the meatballs with a classic Mediterranean kick.
1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight all the flavors.
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat): This creamy base is key for silky tzatziki with authentic tang.
1 medium cucumber, grated: Make sure to squeeze out the moisture to keep your tzatziki creamy, not watery.
2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed: The lemon juice lights up the tzatziki with bright acidity.
1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper for tzatziki: Adjust seasoning to perfectly balance flavors.
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown): The fluffy rice forms a comforting base that holds all the delicious toppings.
1 cup fresh veggies (e.g., diced tomatoes and bell peppers): Fresh veggies add color, crunch, and a refreshing burst of flavor.

How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl

Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Start by mixing your ground meat with breadcrumbs, freshly chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This combination helps infuse the meat with herbaceous, garlicky goodness while the breadcrumbs provide the perfect texture that keeps the meatballs tender yet sturdy.

Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Meatballs

Once everything is combined, shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs. Place them neatly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through—this method is easy, hands-off, and locks in all the juiciness.

Step 3: Making the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs bake, you can whip up the tzatziki—a cool, creamy sauce that really elevates the dish. Combine Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess moisture), fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and let it chill a bit so the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 4: Cooking the Rice

Prepare your rice according to the package instructions. Using either white or brown rice works wonderfully as a hearty and filling base that lovingly cradles the rest of the ingredients.

Step 5: Assembling the Greek Meatball Bowl

Layer the cooked rice in your bowl first, then artfully top with the golden meatballs, scattered fresh veggies, and a generous dollop of the luscious tzatziki sauce. This step is where all the flavors and textures come together, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a handful of chopped fresh dill on top instantly amps up both the look and flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few kalamata olives on the side add authentic Mediterranean flair that makes each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

The Greek Meatball Bowl pairs perfectly with a simple leafy salad or some warm pita bread to scoop up every delicious last bit. Light roasted vegetables or a lemony lentil salad can also complement the meal beautifully without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, try layering the ingredients in clear glass bowls or mason jars for an inviting, colorful display. You can also turn the bowl into a wrap by filling warm pita pockets with the meatballs, rice, and tzatziki—a handheld, flavorful twist that’s fantastic for picnics or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Greek Meatball Bowl keeps incredibly well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store the meatballs, tzatziki, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers to preserve the best texture and flavor before assembling fresh bowls when ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months by arranging them on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag once solid. However, it’s best to keep the tzatziki and fresh veggies fresh to avoid texture changes upon thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat the meatballs and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Serve with fresh veggies and chilled tzatziki to keep that signature bright, creamy contrast intact.

FAQs

Can I use different meats for the Greek Meatball Bowl?

Absolutely! While ground chicken or turkey are popular for a leaner option, ground beef or lamb work wonderfully for a richer flavor. Feel free to experiment to match your preferences.

Is there a vegetarian version of this bowl?

Yes! You can swap meatballs for falafel or roasted chickpeas, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian take on the Greek Meatball Bowl.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. Tzatziki actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, as the flavors meld. Just be sure to squeeze out the cucumber moisture well to keep it nicely thick and creamy.

What’s the best rice to use?

Both white and brown rice work great, depending on your preference. Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, while white rice gives a more neutral, fluffy base for the bowl.

How spicy is the Greek Meatball Bowl?

This dish is generally mild and focuses on fresh herbaceous and tangy flavors. If you like things spicy, you can always add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your meatball mixture or as a topping.

Final Thoughts

The Greek Meatball Bowl is such a rewarding dish that effortlessly combines heartiness and freshness in every bowl. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a delicious meal to enjoy after a busy day, this recipe hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every vibrant, savory bite!

Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A flavorful and healthy Greek Meatball Bowl featuring tender baked chicken or turkey meatballs served over fluffy rice, topped with fresh vegetables and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean flavors.

Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated. Shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki by combining the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside to chill.
Cooking the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. You can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference. Fluff the rice once cooked.
Assembling the Bowl: To assemble your Greek Meatball Bowl, start by placing the cooked rice as the base. Top with the warm meatballs, fresh diced veggies such as tomatoes and bell peppers, and finish with a generous dollop of the homemade tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
You can substitute the ground chicken or turkey with ground beef or lamb for a richer flavor.
Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
Add fresh herbs like dill or mint to the tzatziki for additional flavor.
Use brown rice for a higher fiber and more nutritious base.
Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek