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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors but stays fresh and wholesome, this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs baked to golden perfection, nestled over fluffy rice and fresh, crunchy veggies, all drizzled generously with cool, tangy, homemade tzatziki sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and light, making it a go-to anytime you want something satisfying yet vibrant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend lunch, the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki never fails to bring smiles to the table.

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list simple is one of the great joys of this recipe. Each component is straightforward yet essential, working together to create a dish that’s packed with texture, color, and bold flavors that are unmistakably Greek.

1 lb ground chicken or turkey: A lean, tender base for meatballs that stay juicy while minimizing extra fat.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light and not too dense.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh herbal note that complements the garlic perfectly.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a punch of savory flavor that warms every bite.
1 tsp salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors in the meat mixture.
1/2 tsp pepper: Gives a subtle kick that keeps the palate interested.
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat): The creamy base for the tzatziki, giving it richness and tang.
1 medium cucumber, grated: For fresh crunch and moisture in the tzatziki sauce.
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Adds bright acidity to balance richness beautifully.
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown): The comforting grain base that soaks up every flavor.
1 cup fresh veggies (diced tomatoes and bell peppers recommended): Provides a burst of color and fresh texture to the bowl.

How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to a warm 400 degrees Fahrenheit, just right for getting your meatballs golden and perfectly cooked inside. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey with breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything is thoroughly blended. Then, shape the mixture into bite-sized, one-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, giving you juicy, flavorful meatballs with a gorgeous crust.

Step 2: Whip Up the Tzatziki Sauce

While your meatballs are baking, it’s time to prepare the star sauce. Grab your Greek yogurt and grate a cucumber finely, then squeeze out any excess water so the sauce stays creamy and not watery. Combine the yogurt, grated cucumber, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper in a bowl. Stir it all together until gloriously creamy and smooth. That cool, tangy tzatziki will bring so much freshness to your bowl.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Make your preferred choice of rice, white or brown, according to the package instructions. The rice acts as a grounding element in the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, soaking up delicious juices from the meatballs and balancing the crisp veggies and creamy sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Build your masterpiece by first spooning a generous bed of rice into each bowl. Top it with the warm, golden meatballs, add a colorful handful of fresh diced tomatoes and bell peppers or whatever veggies you love, and finally dollop or drizzle fresh tzatziki sauce on top. Every bite is a delightful combination of warm, cool, crunchy, and creamy.

How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki

Garnishes

Adding garnishes elevates your Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki from tasty to memorable. Toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top bring a subtle nutty crunch. Freshly chopped mint or dill adds a fresh herbal brightness. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese gives an extra savory punch and adds a lovely creaminess that pairs beautifully with the meatballs.

Side Dishes

This bowl stands robustly on its own but pairing it with simple Mediterranean sides can really enhance your meal. A crisp Greek salad with olives and red onions amplifies freshness, while warm pita bread invites you to scoop up every last bit of tzatziki. Roasted lemon potatoes or a light, refreshing tabbouleh are also excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests or just make mealtime fun, try serving the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki in little individual mason jars layered beautifully with rice, meatballs, veggies, and sauce. Or spread it on a large wooden board family-style so everyone can build their own bowls. For a hand-held twist, wrap the components in warm flatbreads or lettuce leaves creating delicious wraps that are perfect for picnics or casual lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’ll be glad to know the Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store the meatballs, rice, veggies, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture. Keeping the tzatziki aside helps prevent it from watering down during storage.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, the meatballs freeze beautifully. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Frozen meatballs stay good for up to three months. Rice and tzatziki don’t freeze as well, so it’s best to make those fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat your meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, which preserves their texture best. Rice can be warmed in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep it moist. Always add fresh tzatziki right before serving to keep its vibrant flavor and creamy consistency intact.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of chicken or turkey for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Beef or even a mix of beef and lamb works wonderfully and will give your meatballs a richer flavor. Just keep an eye on the fat content, as beef tends to be fattier, which could affect cooking times slightly.

How can I make tzatziki without cucumber?

If you don’t have cucumber on hand, you can finely grate or chop other fresh ingredients like zucchini or even radish, though cucumber is classic and gives the best texture. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture so your sauce remains creamy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe as written includes breadcrumbs, which are typically not gluten-free. To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or use ground oats or almond flour instead.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze the entire bowl?

It’s best to freeze only the cooked meatballs separately to maintain the best texture. The rice and tzatziki are best prepared fresh or stored in the fridge for quick assembly. Freezing assembled bowls may lead to soggy components and less tasty tzatziki.

What other vegetables can I add to the bowl?

The possibilities are endless! Try adding roasted eggplant, sautéed spinach, or even pickled red onions for tang. Fresh cucumbers, olives, or shredded carrots also add wonderful texture and brighten the dish.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, it will become one of your favorite go-to meals. It’s incredibly satisfying but still fresh and light, featuring flavors and textures that keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing a friend, this dish is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a taste of Greece anytime you want!

Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

A delicious and healthy Greek Meatball Bowl featuring tender chicken or turkey meatballs, served over rice with fresh veggies and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines Mediterranean flavors for a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the meatballs.
Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately one-inch diameter meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Bake meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
Make tzatziki sauce: While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated and thoroughly squeezed dry cucumber, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir well to combine.
Cook rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. You can use white or brown rice based on your preference.
Assemble bowls: To assemble, start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl, top with the warm meatballs, fresh diced vegetables, and dollops of the creamy tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome Greek Meatball Bowl!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or cumin to the meatball mixture.
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber before adding to tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
Use whole wheat breadcrumbs to increase fiber content.
Leftover meatballs and tzatziki can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, or bell peppers can be customized to personal taste or seasonal availability.

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