Golden Greek Meatball Bowl with Zesty Lemon Rice and Creamy Tzatziki

Introduction

This Golden Greek Meatball Bowl brings together juicy, herb-packed meatballs, fluffy lemon-infused rice, and cool, creamy tzatziki for a perfectly balanced Mediterranean meal. Each bite delivers warmth, freshness, and bold flavor—savory from the meatballs, bright from the lemon rice, and refreshing from the yogurt sauce. It’s a nourishing bowl that feels indulgent yet wholesome, ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Golden Greek Meatballs:

500 g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb (or half beef, half lamb)

1 egg

½ cup breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Zesty Lemon Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Tzatziki:

1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)

½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

Optional Bowl Add-Ins:

Chopped cucumber

Cherry tomatoes

Kalamata olives

Crumbled feta cheese

Warm pita bread

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Mix gently until just combined.

Shape into golf-ball-sized meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add meatballs and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides and cooked through.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Lemon Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.

In a saucepan, combine rice, broth, salt, and olive oil.

Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest and juice, fluff with a fork, and cover for 5 minutes.

Make the Tzatziki

In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and dill.

Chill for 10 minutes for best flavor.

Assemble the Bowls

Spoon lemon rice into bowls.

Top with golden meatballs.

Add tzatziki and optional toppings like tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.

Tips & Variations

Oven-baked meatballs: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes.

Chicken version: Use ground chicken or turkey.

Extra spice: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the meatballs.

Meal prep: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

Golden Greek Meatball Bowls are vibrant, filling, and full of Mediterranean soul. The contrast of warm spices, bright lemon rice, and cool tzatziki makes every bite exciting and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing—perfect any day of the week.