I am definitely on a Mediterranean food kick. I mean who can resist such delicious, healthy, flavorful food? Certainly not me. Today I am sharing a recipe for Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls. I LOVE this meal because it’s got everything: protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and a ton of flavor. It’s easy to make too. I think you’re going to love it. 

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Two Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls garnished with mint and lemon wedges

 

Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls:

Greek meatballs (also called Keftedes) are simply fantastic. For this recipe I use ground beef, fresh herbs, dried spices, an egg and bread crumbs. I drizzle the meatballs with melted butter before popping them in the oven with cherry tomatoes. While they cook,  I steam the rice and prep the Tzatziki. Each component of this meal is truly simple but it all comes together to make a colorful bowl of Greek deliciousness. 

Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls on wood table with green and white dish towel in background

 

Let’s Talk Tzatziki Sauce:

Tzatziki sauce is a middle eastern dip or sauce usually comprised of Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon zest/juice, olive oil and sea salt. Some people add garlic and green herbs but I keep this tzatziki sauce simple because this bowl already has so much going on. This mild version of tzatziki is the perfect accompaniment for these flavorful meatballs. I like to use Persian cucumbers because the thin skin doesn’t need to be peeled and adds more color, but you can use an ordinary cucumber as well, just peel off that thicker skin before using.

Three Persian cucumbers on grey marble surface

Gorgeous isn’t it?

Tzatziki sauce in a white bowl with green and white dish towel in the background

Put it All Together and Wow! 

A delicious dinner in under 45 minutes! 

Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls garnished with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices on wooden table

Feel Like Adding a Salad?

If you want to round this fab meal out with a salad I recommend my Chopped Greek Salad!

Chopped Greek salad in a grey bowl with gold serving utensils

 

The Recipe: Greek Meatball and Tzatziki Rice Bowls

What you need: I use a microplane to zest my citrus and grate garlic. As always you need a good knife

Print
Greek Meatball Rice Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
27 mins
 

A delicious Greek Meal made in about 45 minuttes

Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: cauliflower rice bowl, Greek Meatballs, meatballs
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
For Meatballs:
  • 1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup water or milk
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1 small egg
  • 2 small cloves garlic, peeled and minced (or grated with microplane)
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish if desired)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • several pinches sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (added to pan 10 minutes after meatballs are placed in oven)
For Rice Bowl:
  • 1 cup rice, cooked to package instructions
For Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Persian cucumber, diced (if using a regular cucumber, be sure to peel first)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (use a microplane)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin olive oil
  • pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
For Meatballs:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, place oven rack in center position

  2. Mix together: water (or milk) and bread crumbs. Add onion, egg, garlic, oregano, mint, cayenne, salt and pepper, mix well. Add ground beef and mix until everything is well incorporated.

  3. Use hands to form into 8 meatballs. Pour olive oil into oven safe pan or rimmed cookie sheet. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat pan. (I use cast iron because it really caramelizes the bottom of the meatballs:) Add meatballs to pan leaving a little space in between each meatball. Melt butter. Drizzle meatballs with melted butter.

  4. Place in the oven for 25-27 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes to pan 10 minutes into cooking time. If you need a ten minute timer to remind you, set it! (I do every time)

While Meatballs and tomatoes cook, start rice and prepare Tzatziki Sauce:

  1. Cook rice to package instructions.

For Tzatziki

  1. In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, cucumber, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Set Aside.

Assembly:

  1. When rice is done, place in two bowls, top with meatballs, and tomatoes. Garnish with mint or lemon wedges if desired. You can either use sauce for dipping or pour over meatballs. Enjoy!

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