Description
Tender Greek-style meatballs served over fluffy rice with cool, garlicky tzatziki and a tumble of crisp vegetables. Bright, herby, and satisfying in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g ground lamb or beef
- 60 g breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 250 g Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 300 g cooked basmati rice
- 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced for serving
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Lemon wedges and extra herbs for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, mint, oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper until just mixed.
- Shape into small meatballs, then chill for 10 to 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, make tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, remaining minced garlic clove, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Warm the cooked rice. Arrange rice in bowls, top with meatballs, spoon over tzatziki, and add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Finish with lemon wedges and herbs if using, then serve.
Notes
- Chilling the formed meatballs helps them stay tender and keep their shape.
- Be sure to squeeze the cucumber very dry so the tzatziki stays creamy.
- Taste your tzatziki and adjust lemon or salt to balance the richness of the meatballs.
- For lighter meatballs, use ground turkey or chicken and reduce baking time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Greek meatballs, keftedes, tzatziki, Mediterranean dinner, rice bowl, easy weeknight meal