When it comes to Mediterranean-inspired meals, few things are as satisfying as a well-balanced, flavor-rich bowl. This Greek Lamb Meatball Bowl brings together tender, aromatic lamb meatballs, crisp fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and a hearty base of grains or greens. It’s colorful, nourishing, and bursting with the bright, herbal flavors that make Greek cuisine so beloved.
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal-prep menu, or a centerpiece dish for casual entertaining, these bowls deliver on every level—texture, taste, and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Lamb Meatball Bowls
This is not just another meatball recipe. Here’s why these bowls stand out:
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Herb-forward and aromatic: Fresh parsley, oregano, mint, and garlic infuse the lamb with irresistible Mediterranean flavor.
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Customizable: Choose your base—rice, quinoa, couscous, or salad greens.
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Meal-prep friendly: Meatballs and toppings store well for easy weekday lunches.
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Balanced nutrition: Packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fresh produce.
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Family-friendly: Easily adaptable for picky eaters with simple swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Greek Lamb Meatballs:
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1.5 lbs ground lamb
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1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 egg
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1/3 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
For the Bowl Base:
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2 cups cooked quinoa, couscous, or brown rice
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4 cups mixed greens or arugula
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced or sliced
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ons and Variations
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Grilled veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for more color and flavor.
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Pita wedges: Warm, soft pita for scooping up meatballs and sauce.
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Hummus: A creamy, protein-rich extra topping.
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Pickled onions: For tang and brightness.
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Low-carb: Swap grains for cauliflower rice or extra greens.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Lamb Meatballs
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, lemon zest, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs.
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Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
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Shape into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp 160–165°F).
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For extra color, broil the meatballs for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Tip: If you prefer, you can pan-sear the meatballs in olive oil before finishing them in the oven for a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
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In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
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Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pro tip: Squeeze grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel to avoid watery tzatziki.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
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Start with your chosen base (quinoa, rice, couscous, or greens).
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Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, olives, and feta on one side.
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Add 3–4 lamb meatballs per bowl.
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Drizzle generously with tzatziki.
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Garnish with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon.
Serving Suggestions
These Greek lamb meatball bowls are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with:
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Warm pita bread or flatbread
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A light Greek salad for extra freshness
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Roasted potato wedges for a heartier meal
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A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing complement
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
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Meatballs: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Tzatziki: Keep refrigerated for 3–4 days in a sealed container.
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Veggies: Chop ahead but store separately to keep them fresh and crisp.
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Grain base: Prepare in advance and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Meal-prep tip: Keep all components separate and assemble just before eating for the freshest results.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 4 servings with quinoa as the base)
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Calories: 580
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Protein: 34g
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Fat: 33g
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Carbohydrates: 34g
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Fiber: 6g
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Net Carbs: 28g
Naturally gluten-free with almond flour and grain-free if served over greens or cauliflower rice.
Why This Recipe Works
This bowl shines because it combines:
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Savory richness from the lamb, balanced with bright herbs and lemon.
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Cool, creamy contrast from tzatziki.
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Fresh crunch from raw vegetables.
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Wholesome balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
It’s essentially a Greek mezze platter transformed into a complete, easy-to-assemble meal.
Tips for Perfect Greek Lamb Meatballs
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Use fresh herbs: They add brightness that dried herbs can’t match.
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Don’t overwork the meat: Keeps meatballs tender and juicy.
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Rest before serving: Let meatballs sit for 5 minutes to retain juices.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak your spice mix before shaping.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These bowls fit seamlessly into:
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Weeknight dinners: Ready in under 45 minutes.
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Healthy meal prep: Stores beautifully for easy grab-and-go lunches.
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Casual gatherings: Build-your-own bowl bars are interactive and fun.
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Mediterranean diet plans: Naturally packed with wholesome ingredients.
FAQs About Greek Lamb Meatball Bowls
Can I substitute beef for lamb?
Yes, beef works well and has a milder flavor if you prefer.
Is there a dairy-free option for tzatziki?
Yes. Use coconut yogurt or a cashew-based alternative.
Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
What’s the best grain to use?
Couscous for a fluffy texture, quinoa for more protein, or brown rice for a nutty flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Greek Lamb Meatball Bowls are a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy the bold tastes of the Mediterranean in a simple, weeknight-friendly format. Each bite offers tender, aromatic lamb, cool tzatziki, and crisp veggies for a balanced, beautiful meal. Whether served warm or cold, they’re a satisfying and wholesome choice you’ll want to make again and again.
From meal-prep Sundays to family dinners, this recipe is versatile, nourishing, and absolutely delicious.
Try This Recipe Tonight
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and create your own Greek Lamb Meatball Bowls for a taste of the Mediterranean at home. Share them with friends, pack them for lunch, or set up a build-your-own bowl bar for your next gathering.
For more Mediterranean-inspired recipes, fresh sauces, and healthy meal ideas, explore our full recipe collection.
PrintGreek Lamb Meatball Bowls: A Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Feast in One Dish
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bowl featuring juicy, spiced lamb meatballs, fresh vegetables, herbed grains, and creamy tzatziki for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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Ground lamb
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Garlic, minced
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Onion, grated
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Fresh mint, chopped
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Dried oregano
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Ground cumin
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Salt and pepper
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Olive oil
Bowl Base & Toppings:
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Cooked couscous, quinoa, or rice
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Cherry tomatoes, halved
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Cucumber, diced
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Red onion, thinly sliced
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Kalamata olives (optional)
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Fresh greens (spinach, arugula, or mixed greens)
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Feta cheese, crumbled
Tzatziki Sauce:
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Greek yogurt
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Cucumber, grated and drained
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh dill, chopped
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Lemon juice
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix ground lamb with garlic, grated onion, parsley, mint, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned and fully cooked, turning occasionally. Set aside.
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Prepare the tzatziki by combining yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
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In serving bowls, layer couscous (or grain of choice), greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
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Add lamb meatballs and top with crumbled feta.
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Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and serve immediately
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins