Greek Meatball Tzatziki Bowl (Print Version)

Enjoy savory meatballs, creamy tzatziki, warm rice, and crunchy vegetables for a fresh Mediterranean bowl.

# Ingredients:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
04 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Base

12 - 1 cup cooked white rice

→ Fresh Vegetables

13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 cucumber, sliced
15 - 1 red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

→ Toppings

17 - 1 cup tzatziki sauce
18 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
03 - Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
04 - Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray.
05 - Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
06 - Prepare the rice according to package instructions if it’s not already cooked.
07 - In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives. Toss to mix evenly.
08 - Place a portion of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with the fresh vegetable mixture, add several meatballs, drizzle with tzatziki sauce, and finish with fresh lemon juice.
09 - Serve immediately and enjoy.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure meatballs are packed tightly to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
02 - For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
03 - You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for the ground beef for a different flavor.
04 - For a lighter option, use brown rice instead of white rice.
05 - Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.