why make this recipe
This bowl is simple, fresh, and filling. You get soft meatballs, warm rice, crunchy veggies, and cool tzatziki. It cooks fast and tastes like a Greek meal at home. If you like easy comfort food, you might also enjoy a rich pasta bake like cheesy baked tortellini casserole for another simple main.
introduction
This Ultimate Greek Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce mixes mild chicken or turkey meatballs with bright cucumber-yogurt sauce. The meatballs are tender and seasoned with dill, parsley, and oregano. Serve them on rice with tomatoes and cucumber for a quick dinner.
how to make Ultimate Greek Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
Follow the steps below to make the full bowl. The meatballs fry in a pan and the tzatziki comes together in one bowl. You can cook the rice while you mix the meatball mix. For a warm vegetable side, consider adding roasted mushrooms like in this balsamic roasted mushrooms recipe.
Ingredients :
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 500g (1 lb) ground chicken or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- Extra dill, for garnish
Tzatziki:
- 1/2 cup finely grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
Directions :
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine grated onion, garlic, egg, dill, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well, then fold in the ground chicken or turkey until fully incorporated.
- Shape and cook the meatballs: Form 16 small meatballs (about 1.5 tbsp each). Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for 6-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 74°C / 165°F).
- Prepare the tzatziki: In a small bowl, mix grated cucumber, yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Chill until ready to serve.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide rice into 4 bowls. Top each with 4 meatballs, tomato halves, cucumber slices, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh dill.
- Serve and enjoy! Best served warm with a drizzle of olive oil or extra lemon if desired.
how to serve Ultimate Greek Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
Serve warm. Spoon tzatziki over hot meatballs so the sauce cools the bowl a little. Add a wedge of lemon on the side. For a full meal, add a simple salad and a small sweet like baked apples with feta and honey for dessert.
how to store Ultimate Greek Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
Store meatballs and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep tzatziki in a separate container for up to 2 days. Reheat meatballs and rice in the microwave or a pan until hot. Add chilled tzatziki after reheating.
tips to make Ultimate Greek Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
- Squeeze the grated cucumber well for tzatziki. This stops it from being watery.
- Use fresh herbs if you can. They make the meatballs brighter.
- Cook meatballs in batches so they brown well. Do not crowd the pan.
- If you want, bake meatballs at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes instead of frying.
- For quick prep, make meatballs ahead and freeze them. Reheat from frozen in a covered pan.
Try pairing with a warm vegetable side or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
variation (if any)
- Use ground lamb for a richer Greek flavor.
- Serve over couscous or quinoa instead of rice.
- Add sliced olives or feta on top for more salt and tang.
- Make the meatballs bigger for sandwiches or smaller for appetizers.
FAQs
Q: Can I use beef instead of chicken or turkey?
A: Yes. Ground beef or lamb works. Cook to the same internal temp (74°C / 165°F) for safety.
Q: Can I make tzatziki dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free yogurt. The taste will change but it still works.
Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through.
Q: How do I stop meatballs from falling apart?
A: Do not over-mix. Use the right amount of egg and breadcrumbs. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes if it feels too soft.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Cook and cool meatballs and rice. Store in portions and add fresh tzatziki before eating.
Conclusion
For another take on Greek-style meatballs and sauce, see this helpful recipe: Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce – All the Healthy Things.
Ultimate Greek Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine grated onion, garlic, egg, dill, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well and fold in the ground chicken or turkey.
- Form 16 small meatballs (about 1.5 tbsp each).
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for 6-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 74°C / 165°F).
- In a small bowl, mix grated cucumber, yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil to prepare the tzatziki. Chill until ready to serve.
- Divide rice into 4 bowls. Top each with 4 meatballs, tomato halves, cucumber slices, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh dill.