Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground lamb or beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for cooking)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
Bowl Components
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedge, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef with minced garlic, finely chopped onion, oregano, dill, salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape and Cook the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs about the size of a walnut. Heat a pan with olive oil over medium heat and cook the meatballs until golden brown and cooked through, around 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs cook, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water. Mix it into Greek yogurt along with minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil for a cool, creamy sauce.
- Prepare the Bowl Components: Cook your chosen grain base according to package instructions, preferably in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor. Dice tomatoes and cucumbers, crumble the feta cheese, and chop fresh herbs like parsley or mint to stir in or garnish.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a bed of cooked grain, arrange the meatballs on top, add fresh vegetables and crumbled feta, then drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Finish with a lemon wedge and extra fresh herbs for brightness.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the meat gently keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Let Meatballs Rest: After shaping, chill the meatballs for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape better during cooking.
- Drain Cucumber Well: Removing moisture prevents watery tzatziki and keeps sauce thick.
- Cook Grains in Broth: Using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water adds extra depth of flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh oregano, dill, and parsley amplify the authentic Greek flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Greek meatball bowl, Mediterranean recipe, tzatziki, healthy dinner, gluten free, lamb meatballs, quinoa bowl, easy weeknight meal