🥙 Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix)

• 1 small onion, grated

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tzatziki:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or mint), chopped

• Salt, to taste

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup Kalamata olives (optional)

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

   • In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.

   • Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch).

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook meatballs until browned and fully cooked (8–10 minutes), turning occasionally.

2. Prepare Tzatziki:

   • In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Mix well and chill until serving.

3. Assemble the Bowl:

   • In a serving bowl, add a base of rice.

   • Top with meatballs, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.

   • Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki.

   • Garnish with parsley or dill.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

   • Serve warm with extra lemon wedges and pita bread if desired.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I make this low-carb/keto?
Yes! Swap rice with cauliflower rice and breadcrumbs with almond flour.

Q2: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef/lamb?
Absolutely—ground chicken or turkey works great, just reduce cooking time slightly.

Q3: How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Q4: Can I meal-prep this bowl?
Yes! Store the cooked meatballs, rice, and veggies separately in containers. Assemble when ready to eat and add tzatziki fresh.

Q5: What can I serve on the side?
Warm pita bread, a Greek salad, or roasted veggies make excellent sides.