Loaded Greek Meatball Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki & Rice

If you’re craving a Mediterranean-inspired meal that is both satisfying and fresh, this Loaded Greek Meatball Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki & Rice is the perfect choice. Juicy, herb-seasoned meatballs are paired with fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a cool, garlicky tzatziki sauce. It’s a vibrant, balanced bowl that combines protein, grains, and veggies in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or putting together a quick family dinner, this bowl is wholesome, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mediterranean Flavors: Fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and feta bring authentic taste.
• Balanced Meal: Protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats all in one bowl.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or grains.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) ground beef, lamb, or a mix
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bowls:

• 3 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or brown rice)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 20–22 meatballs).

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide rice into 4 bowls. Top with meatballs, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki and serve with lemon wedges.

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Tips for Success

1. Squeeze the Cucumber Well: Prevents watery tzatziki.
2. Don’t Overmix Meatball Mixture: Keeps them tender.
3. Make Ahead Friendly: Meatballs and tzatziki can be prepped a day in advance.
4. Fresh Herbs: Use parsley, dill, or mint for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
5. Balance the Bowl: Add extra veggies or swap rice for quinoa or couscous.

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Variations to Try

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: A leaner alternative.
• Low-Carb Bowl: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Veggies: Add roasted peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or harissa to the meatball mix.

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What to Serve With Greek Meatball Bowls

• Warm Pita Bread: Perfect for scooping up tzatziki.
• Greek Salad: A fresh and crunchy side.
• Hummus and Veggies: Great for dipping.
• Baklava or Fresh Fruit: Sweet finish to the meal.

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Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm meatballs and rice, then add fresh veggies and tzatziki when serving.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

(Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

Nutritional Benefits of the Bowl

This Greek-inspired bowl isn’t just bursting with flavor — it’s also rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The meatballs, typically made with ground beef or lamb, are high in protein and iron. The tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, adds calcium and probiotics for gut health. Add in fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, and you’ve got a colorful mix of vitamins and antioxidants that support overall wellness.

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Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Meal Prep

This dish is a meal prep superstar. You can cook the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. The tzatziki sauce can also be made ahead — in fact, it gets more flavorful after sitting for a few hours. Cook a big batch of rice at the start of the week, and all that’s left is assembling your bowl. It’s a perfect grab-and-go lunch or dinner option.

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Variations to Try Based on Your Diet

Want to make this bowl suit your lifestyle? Try these variations:

• Low-carb: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.

• Vegetarian: Replace the meatballs with falafel or grilled halloumi.

• Dairy-free: Make a dairy-free tzatziki with coconut yogurt and olive oil.
  These simple tweaks allow you to enjoy the same great flavors with ingredients that match your needs.

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Ideal Times to Serve This Dish

This bowl is perfect for summer lunches, outdoor picnics, or weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but not too heavy. The refreshing nature of tzatziki and fresh veggies makes it a crowd-pleaser during warmer months, and the hearty meatballs make it filling enough for cooler days too.

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Toppings and Extras to Elevate Your Bowl

Want to take your Greek bowl to the next level? Here are some topping ideas:

• Kalamata olives for a salty bite

• Crumbled feta cheese for a tangy richness

• Roasted chickpeas for crunch

• Fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley for brightness

• A drizzle of lemon juice or olive oil for an extra layer of flavor

These little additions go a long way in making each bite exciting.

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Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Greek Feast

Turn your bowl into a Mediterranean-inspired meal by adding:

• A side of warm pita bread or grilled flatbread

• Greek lemon potatoes for an extra dose of comfort

• A simple Greek salad with vinaigrette to complement the bowl

• Finish with a light dessert like honey-sweetened Greek yogurt with walnuts

It’s an easy way to bring the flavors of Greece to your table.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This bowl stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep each component (meatballs, tzatziki, rice, and veggies) in separate containers to maintain freshness and texture. When ready to eat, reheat the rice and meatballs, then assemble the bowl fresh with cold veggies and tzatziki.

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Why It’s Great for Entertaining

Hosting a dinner party or a casual get-together? Build-your-own Greek bowls are a fantastic interactive meal option. Set out all the components buffet-style — meatballs, rice, veggies, sauces, and toppings — and let guests customize their own bowl. It’s fun, delicious, and caters to different dietary preferences easily.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Greek Meatball Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki & Rice is a flavorful and nourishing meal that brings Mediterranean flair to your table. Juicy herb-infused meatballs, tangy tzatziki, and crisp veggies combine for a dish that’s hearty yet refreshing. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

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