Description
This Greek Meatball Bowl features flavorful baked beef meatballs seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, served over fluffy white rice with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a wholesome and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 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
Rice & Vegetables
- 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
Toppings
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Thoroughly: Mix all ingredients evenly using your hands or a spoon until fully incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly to prevent sticking.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown and keep moist while baking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are thoroughly cooked and golden brown on the outside.
- Cook Rice: While meatballs bake, prepare white rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives.
- Toss Vegetables: Toss the vegetable mixture gently to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Rest Meatballs: Remove meatballs from the oven and let them rest a few minutes to retain juices.
- Assemble Bowls: Place a portion of cooked rice into each serving bowl as the base.
- Add Vegetables: Top the rice with the fresh mixed vegetables evenly distributed.
- Add Meatballs: Arrange several baked meatballs on top of the vegetable layer in each bowl.
- Add Tzatziki: Drizzle each bowl generously with creamy tzatziki sauce for authentic Greek flavor.
- Finish with Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the assembled bowls to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant Greek Meatball Bowl.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- If you prefer gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking of meatballs.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Leftover meatballs make great sandwiches or salad toppers the next day.
