Ultimate Greek Meatball & Rice Bowl with Homemade Tzatziki and Crisp Veggies!

🇬🇷 Ultimate Greek Meatball & Rice Bowl with Homemade Tzatziki & Crisp Veggies

🧂 Servings: 4

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total: 45 min

🥩 Ingredients

For the Greek Meatballs (Keftedes):

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or lamb, chicken, or turkey)

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

• ¼ cup red onion, finely minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat for WW-friendly)

• ½ cucumber, finely grated and squeezed to remove water

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

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

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, sliced or diced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• A handful of mixed greens or spinach

• Lemon wedges, for serving

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients.

3. Roll into 1–1½ inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Make the Tzatziki:

1. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use (chilling enhances the flavor).

3. Assemble the Bowl:

1. Place a scoop of rice in each bowl.

2. Arrange veggies (cucumber, tomato, onion, greens) neatly around.

3. Add 3–4 meatballs per serving.

4. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle feta on top.

5. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill or parsley.

🌟 Optional Add-Ons:

• Kalamata olives

• Roasted chickpeas

• Hummus dollop

• Pita chips or warm pita bread

🧠 Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
✅ Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great and makes it leaner.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
✅ Keep in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Store tzatziki separately.

Q: Can I meal prep this?
✅ Absolutely. It’s perfect for meal prep—store rice, meatballs, and veggies separately and assemble before eating.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
✅ Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats in the meatballs, and you’re good to go.

Q: Is it Weight Watchers-friendly?
✅ Yes! Use lean meat, nonfat Greek yogurt, and limit olive oil for a 5–7 point meal, depending on your plan.

Q: What can I serve instead of rice?
✅ Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro for different textures and flavors.