Mediterranean Meatball Bowl

This Mediterranean Meatball Bowl is a flavorful and wholesome meal featuring juicy, herb-infused meatballs, fragrant herbed rice, a refreshing cucumber salad, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Packed with fresh ingredients and bold Mediterranean spices, this dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced & Nutritious – Combines protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
• Authentic Mediterranean Flavors – Features herbs, garlic, lemon, and creamy tzatziki.
• Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for batch cooking and assembling throughout the week.
• Light Yet Satisfying – A fresh and filling dish without being overly heavy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Herbed Rice:

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cucumber Salad:

• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• ½ tsp salt

Directions

Make the Meatballs

1. Prepare the Mixture – In a large bowl, mix ground beef (or lamb), red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs – Form into small, 1-inch meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.

Cook the Herbed Rice

4. Rinse & Cook the Rice – Rinse the rice under cold water. In a pot, combine rice, water (or broth), olive oil, and salt.
5. Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Fluff & Add Herbs – Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.

Prepare the Cucumber Salad

7. Combine Ingredients – In a bowl, mix cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well and set aside.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce

8. Mix & Chill – In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (drained), garlic, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Assemble the Bowl

9. Build the Bowl – Add herbed rice to a serving bowl, top with cooked meatballs, and add cucumber salad.
10. Finish with Tzatziki – Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
11. Serve & Enjoy – Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Meatball Bowl!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute meatballs with falafel or grilled tofu.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or harissa to the meatball mixture.
• Extra Protein: Add crumbled feta or chickpeas to the bowl.
• Pita Wrap Option: Serve the ingredients in warm pita bread for a Mediterranean wrap.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the meatballs up to a day in advance or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time (about 40 minutes).

What’s the best way to drain the grated cucumber for tzatziki?

Squeeze the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or press with a spoon to remove excess moisture.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

What other herbs can I use in the meatballs?

Mint, basil, or cilantro can be used for a different twist on Mediterranean flavors.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, but homemade tzatziki has a fresher, more vibrant taste.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki or substitute with hummus.

What’s the best meat to use for the meatballs?

A mix of beef and lamb provides the best flavor, but you can use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Can I grill the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Skewer and grill them for a smoky, charred taste.

What can I serve with this bowl?

Pair it with warm pita bread, hummus, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Meatball Bowl is a delicious, vibrant, and well-balanced meal packed with fresh herbs, bold flavors, and creamy tzatziki. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a special dinner, this dish is a must-try. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors in every bite!