Greek Meatball Bowls
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<p>Ah, Greek Meatball Bowls! Just saying the name conjures up vibrant flavors and the warmth of Mediterranean sunshine. This dish holds a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of summer dinners shared with friends and family under a twinkling sky, the aroma of seasoned meatballs sizzling on the stove. When I want to feel like I’m on Mediterranean vacation without leaving my kitchen, this bowl of goodness is my secret go-to.</p>
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<p>So why Greek Meatball Bowls, you ask? Not only do they evoke feelings of nostalgia and community, but they also boast a delicious balance of savory meatballs, fresh salad, and creamy yogurt. It’s like a symphony of flavors that feels both hearty and refreshing at the same time.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What makes this recipe special</h2>
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<p>This recipe is a delightful ode to the essence of Greek cuisine, combining the robust flavors of garlic, oregano, and fresh herbs with the juicy goodness of ground lamb or beef. The beauty lies in how simple yet rich this dish is—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests over the weekend. With every bite, you’ll experience a harmony of textures and tastes that dance in your mouth, making you wonder why you’ve waited so long to give it a shot!</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gather these ingredients</h2>
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<p>Let’s dive into the magical world of ingredients that come together to create this delightful bowl:</p>
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<li><strong>Ground Beef or Lamb</strong>: 1 pound of either will provide that rich, savory base. Going for lamb? It brings an authentically Greek flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey is also a wonderful alternative.</li>
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<li><strong>Breadcrumbs</strong>: 1/2 cup, here to bind our meatballs together. You can use fresh, dried, or even gluten-free options if you’re looking for a twist.</li>
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<li><strong>Egg</strong>: Just one, beaten—this acts as our binding agent. A flaxseed egg works if you want a vegan take!</li>
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<li><strong>Garlic</strong>: 2 cloves, minced—because garlic is life! If you’re a clove aficionado, feel free to up the ante.</li>
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<li><strong>Onion</strong>: 1 diced onion adds savory depth. Sweet onions are best, but yellow works too!</li>
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<li><strong>Oregano</strong>: 1 tsp, please! This herb is the heart of any Greek dish; fresh is best, but dried is handy as well.</li>
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<li><strong>Parsley</strong>: A handful, chopped—this adds a fresh, vibrant note at the end.</li>
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<li><strong>Salt and Pepper</strong>: A must for flavor—don’t skimp on these essential boosters!</li>
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<li><strong>Olive Oil</strong>: Enough for frying and drizzling—extra virgin is my favorite for that rich flavor.</li>
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<li><strong>Cucumber</strong>: 1, diced fine adds a refreshing crunch. Perfect for our salad!</li>
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<li><strong>Tomatoes</strong>: 2 diced, what’s a Greek meal without ripe, juicy tomatoes that burst with flavor?</li>
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<li><strong>Red Onion</strong>: 1 sliced thin for that sharp bite that complements the rest beautifully.</li>
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<li><strong>Feta Cheese</strong>: Crumbled for that briny richness. If you’re dairy-free, try a nut-based feta.</li>
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<li><strong>Greek Yogurt</strong>: A dollop brings creaminess—sour cream can be a substitute, but why would you?</li>
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<li><strong>Lemon Juice</strong>: A squeeze brightens everything up—fresh is best, but bottled will do in a pinch.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preparing Greek Meatball Bowls</h2>
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<p>Ready to bring these ingredients to life? Buckle up, my friend; this is where the magic happens:</p>
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<li>In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, diced onion, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there and mix gently until everything is just combined—you don’t want to overwork it!</li>
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<li>Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.</li>
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<li>Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, ensuring they’re not overcrowded, and cook until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Give them a turn halfway for even cooking.</li>
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<li>While meatballs are sizzling, prepare a quick salad. In another bowl, toss diced cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, feta, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.</li>
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<li>To serve, place those golden meatballs over a bed of rice or quinoa. Top with your fresh salad and finish with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt. Voilà , you’ve crafted your own Greek culinary masterpiece!</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best way to enjoy it</h2>
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<p>So, you’ve got your beautiful Greek Meatball Bowl ready—what now? Present it with flair! A sprinkle of extra parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side brighten up the plate. Feel free to serve alongside some warm pita or a light tzatziki for dipping. And if you want to lean into the Mediterranean vibe, a side of roasted vegetables or a simple Greek salad takes this dish to the next level.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to store and freeze</h2>
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<p>Now, if you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good), no worries! Just let the meatballs cool, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for about three days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs without the yogurt and salad. They keep beautifully for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently in a skillet or the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the moisture.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Helpful cooking tips</h2>
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<li>Don’t rush the meatball resting step! They’ll hold together so much better while cooking.</li>
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<li>For extra depth, consider briefly toasting your oregano in a dry pan before mixing it in. It’s a small step that makes a world of difference.</li>
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<li>You can mix and match the toppings; swap feta with olives for a briny zest or add avocado for creaminess!</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recipe variations</h2>
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<p>Feeling adventurous or have some dietary needs? Let’s explore some variations you might enjoy:</p>
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<li><strong>Herb Swap</strong>: Try swapping out parsley for fresh dill or mint for a new flavor profile!</li>
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<li><strong>Vegetarian Option</strong>: Mix it up with chickpeas or lentils to form plant-based meatballs, seasoned with the same spices.</li>
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<li><strong>Spicy Kick</strong>: Add some red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños to the meat mixture if you crave some heat.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ingredients</h2>
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<li>1 lb Ground beef or lamb</li>
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<li>1/2 cup Breadcrumbs</li>
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<li>1 Egg (beaten)</li>
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<li>2 cloves Garlic (minced)</li>
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<li>1 Onion (diced)</li>
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<li>1 tsp Oregano</li>
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<li>Handful Parsley (chopped)</li>
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<li>Salt and Pepper (to taste)</li>
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<li>Olive Oil (for frying)</li>
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<li>1 Cucumber (diced)</li>
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<li>2 Tomatoes (diced)</li>
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<li>1 Red Onion (sliced)</li>
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<li>Feta Cheese (crumbled)</li>
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<li>Greek Yogurt</li>
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<li>Lemon Juice (fresh)</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Directions to follow</h2>
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<li>In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.</li>
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<li>Shape into meatballs and allow to rest for a few minutes.</li>
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<li>Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.</li>
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<li>Prepare salad by mixing cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and a splash of lemon juice in another bowl.</li>
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<li>To serve, place meatballs over rice or quinoa, topped with salad and a dollop of Greek yogurt.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your questions answered</h2>
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<li><strong>How long do these meatballs take to prepare?</strong> About 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including cooking time.</li>
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<li><strong>Can I make this gluten-free?</strong> Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your yogurt and feta are safe for your dietary needs.</li>
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<li><strong>What can I pair with this bowl?</strong> It’s delightful on a bed of quinoa, rice, or even in a pita wrap for a twist!</li>
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<li><strong>Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?</strong> Yes! Form them ahead and store in the fridge for a couple of days, or freeze raw for longer storage until you're ready to cook.</li>
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<li><strong>Can I use a different protein?</strong> Certainly! Ground chicken or turkey works beautifully and keeps things lighter.</li>
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<p>Cooking is not just about the recipe; it’s an adventure and a beautiful opportunity to connect with those we care about. These Greek Meatball Bowls are so much more than just a meal—they’re an experience, a flavorful journey that can brighten your dining table. So grab those ingredients, make this dish your own, and don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs with me in the comments. Let’s continue to inspire each other in this vibrant cooking community!</p>
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Print
Greek Meatball Bowls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy
Description
Delicious Greek Meatball Bowls featuring savory meatballs, fresh salad, and creamy yogurt, capturing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef or Lamb: 1 pound
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1, beaten
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1, diced
- Oregano: 1 tsp
- Parsley: A handful, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: For frying
- Cucumber: 1, diced
- Tomatoes: 2, diced
- Red Onion: 1, sliced thin
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop
- Lemon Juice: Fresh
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, diced onion, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In another bowl, toss diced cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, feta, and lemon juice for the salad. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the meatballs over rice or quinoa, topped with the salad and Greek yogurt.
Notes
For extra depth, consider toasting the oregano before mixing it in. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about three days or frozen for a month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: meatballs, Greek cuisine, Mediterranean diet, summer dinner, healthy dinner
