Why Make This Recipe
Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies is a delicious and healthy meal that brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. This recipe is not only packed with protein from the meatballs, but it also includes refreshing tzatziki and colorful veggies, making it a balanced dish. It's perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to please both adults and kids alike.
How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 1 medium cucumber, grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup fresh veggies (e.g., diced tomatoes and bell peppers)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While meatballs bake, prepare tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Assemble bowls with rice as the base topped with meatballs, fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce.
How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
Serve the Greek meatball bowls warm. Start with a scoop of rice, then add a few meatballs, and top it off with fresh veggies and a generous dollop of tzatziki. You can also garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.
How to Store Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
You can store leftovers in airtight containers. Keep the meatballs, rice, and veggies separate from the tzatziki to maintain freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and rice in the microwave or on the stove before serving again.
Tips to Make Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Rice & Fresh Veggies
- Make sure to squeeze the cucumber before adding it to the tzatziki. This step helps to avoid a watery sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the spices in the meatballs to your taste. You can add some cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
- For an even quicker meal, you can use pre-cooked rice or frozen veggies.
Variation
You can easily switch up the protein in this recipe. Try using ground beef or lamb for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils mixed with breadcrumbs as a meat substitute.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki can be used if you are short on time. Just ensure to check the ingredients for quality.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and ensure the rice is certified gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Just place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Greek Meatball Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While meatballs bake, prepare tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Assemble bowls with rice as the base topped with meatballs, fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce.
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