Mediterranean Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Juicy meatballs paired with fragrant basmati rice and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce create a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Fresh vegetables add a crisp finish to this wholesome dish.

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef (or lamb/beef mix)
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water + pinch of salt
• Optional: ¼ tsp turmeric or saffron
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cucumber, sliced into rounds
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Add rice and optional turmeric or saffron. Cover and simmer on low for 12–15 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
2. Step 2: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel. In a bowl, mix the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Chill the tzatziki sauce until ready to use.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs cook, slice cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber into thin rounds for the fresh vegetable topping.
6. Step 6: To serve, place a portion of rice in each bowl. Top with the cooked meatballs, spoon tzatziki sauce over them, and finish with the sliced veggies and a garnish of fresh dill.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try mixing lamb with beef or adding a pinch of cumin to the meatballs.
• If you prefer a spicier tzatziki, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Serve with warm pita bread or a side salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
• Use quinoa or couscous instead of basmati rice for a variation in texture and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs, rice, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs and rice gently in a pan or microwave. Serve tzatziki chilled for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. Cook just before serving to ensure they stay juicy and flavorful.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the meatballs with falafel or seasoned roasted chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version of this bowl.

Mediterranean Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 145 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious Mediterranean Meatball Rice Bowl featuring flavorful ground beef meatballs, aromatic basmati rice, refreshing tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 500 g ground beef (or lamb/beef mix)
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Rice

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water + pinch of salt
• Optional: ¼ tsp turmeric or saffron

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Fresh Vegetables & Garnish

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cucumber, sliced into rounds
• Fresh dill for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and, if using, the turmeric or saffron for color and aroma. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand covered.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and press out excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towel to avoid watery sauce. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until serving to allow flavors to meld.
3. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs to ensure uniform cooking.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and ensure the meatballs are cooked through to the center. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
5. Prepare the Fresh Veggies: While the meatballs are cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and cut the remaining cucumber into rounds. Set aside for assembling the bowls.
6. Assemble the Bowls: To serve, distribute the cooked basmati rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the juicy meatballs, then spoon over the chilled tzatziki sauce. Arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber rounds, and a sprig of fresh dill on top or around for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can substitute ground lamb or a lamb-beef mix for the meatballs.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap meatballs with grilled or roasted vegetables.
• Turmeric or saffron is optional but adds beautiful color and aroma to the rice.
• Drain the grated cucumber well for tzatziki to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
• Ensure the meatballs are cooked through for food safety—an instant-read thermometer is helpful.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean meatballs, rice bowl, tzatziki, basmati rice, fresh veggies, easy dinner, Greek inspired