Mediterranean Meatball Bowl
We love this Mediterranean Meatball Bowl for its perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Kitchen Note
When making the meatballs, don’t overmix the ingredients, as this can make them dense and tough. Also, make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can affect the even cooking of the meatballs.
Why this Mediterranean Meatball Bowl works
- The combination of juicy meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and flavorful rice and veggies creates a satisfying and filling meal.
- The dish is full of Mediterranean flavors, with a focus on fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic.
- It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
- The recipe is realistic for a weekday dinner, as it uses common ingredients and doesn’t require any special cooking techniques.
- It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and can also be made ahead of time for meal prep.
What you’ll need
The key ingredients in this dish are the meatballs, tzatziki sauce, and a variety of colorful veggies, all of which come together to create a delicious and well-rounded meal.
- 500g minced lamb
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 120ml Greek yoghurt
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup mixed colourful vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots)
Tips for getting this right
- Make sure to not overcook the meatballs, as this can make them dry and tough.
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and real Greek yogurt, to get the best flavor out of the dish.
- Don’t skip the step of toasting the pita bread, as this adds a nice crunch and texture to the meal.
- Let the tzatziki sauce sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Consider making a double batch of the meatballs and freezing them for future meals.
Swaps and substitutions
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pita bread with a gluten-free alternative. For a vegetarian version, replace the meatballs with roasted eggplant or zucchini. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. For a vegan version, replace the yogurt with a non-dairy alternative and use vegan-friendly meatballs.
Storing and reheating
This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. To reheat, simply microwave the meatballs and veggies for 30-60 seconds, and warm the pita bread in the oven for a few minutes. The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, place the cooked meatballs and veggies in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Common questions
Yes, you can make the meatballs and tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Simply assemble the bowls just before serving.
The dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and veggies for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when needed.
Mediterranean Meatball Bowl
🧂 Ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine the lamb, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
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3Add the egg and breadcrumbs to the lamb mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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4Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each.
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5Place the meatballs on the prepared baking tray and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
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6While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the Tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well to combine.
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7Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, place them on top of a bed of cooked white rice and colourful vegetables.
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8Drizzle the Tzatziki sauce over the top of the meatballs and serve immediately.
We hope you enjoy this Mediterranean Meatball Bowl recipe! Let us know in the comments how it turns out and if you have any questions or substitutions you’d like to share.