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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
