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Easy Greek Meatball Bowls with Creamy Tzatziki

These Greek Meatball Bowls with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies are a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meal bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect for busy nights, they combine savory meatballs with creamy tzatziki, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Serving bowls
  • Cheesecloth or paper towels for squeezing cucumber
  • Baking Sheet optional, for baking meatballs
  • Parchment paper optional, for baking meatballs
  • Cookie scoop optional, for uniform meatball size

Ingredients
  

Greek Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey or chicken or ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs Panko or regular
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 0.5 cup cucumber grated and squeezed to remove water
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Full-fat recommended
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt to taste

For the Bowl

  • 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber slices
  • 1 cup bell peppers sliced, any color
  • 0.25 cup red onion sliced thinly

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground turkey or chicken, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, chopped dill, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything is combined – overmixing can make them tough. Gently form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about an inch in diameter).
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the meatballs. Sear on one side before turning occasionally until browned all over and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Check one to ensure it's cooked through.
  • While meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki. In a small bowl, combine grated and squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with Greek meatballs. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, sliced bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.

Notes

This recipe is flexible and can accommodate various substitutions and additions. Prep ahead options are available for components like tzatziki and meatballs. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.