🌿 Ultimate Mediterranean Meatball Rice Bowl with Tzatziki 🍋
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~520 kcal
🛒 Ingredients:
For the meatballs (🥩):
500g (1 lb) ground lamb or beef
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 🌿
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking) 🫒
For the tzatziki (🥒):
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
Salt to taste
For the bowl (🍚):
2 cups cooked basmati rice
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
½ cucumber, sliced 🥒
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh parsley, for garnish 🌿
Lemon wedges, for serving 🍋
👩🍳 Instructions:
Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground meat, garlic, red onion, parsley, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 12 small meatballs.
Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Make the tzatziki: While the meatballs cook, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice into 4 bowls. Top with 3 meatballs each, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🔁 Variations & Tips:
Protein swap: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of lamb/beef.
Low-carb version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
Make-ahead tip: Meatballs and tzatziki can be made 1 day in advance.