Description
A Greek-inspired bowl with tender oven-baked lamb meatballs, zesty tzatziki, tangy lemon rice, and refreshing cucumber salad. Layered for bold, balanced flavors and customizable for home cooks—ready in 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound ground lamb or beef (lamb preferred)
¼ cup minced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese
1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 lemon, zested and juiced
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
1 English cucumber, diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine lamb/beef, onion, garlic, egg, feta, Greek seasoning, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Form into 12 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
While meatballs bake, cook rice by boiling salted water in a small pot. Add rice, stir, and simmer uncovered for 12–14 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, mint, and a pinch of salt.
Prepare tzatziki: Toss Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (to remove moisture), then stir in lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Chill briefly.
Make cucumber salad: In a small bowl, combine diced cucumber, red onion, and a drizzle of olive oil (optional). Season with salt.
Assemble bowls by layering meatballs, warm rice, tzatziki sauce, and cucumber salad. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
Substitute lamb with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pork/bacon alternatives omitted per dietary restrictions.
Meatballs, tzatziki, and rice can be prepped ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
Use gluten-free rice for gluten-free adaptations.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg