Gyro Bowls (Meatballs with Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine in one bowl. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, while the lemon rice provides a refreshing base. The creamy tzatziki and crisp cucumber salad add a cool and tangy contrast. It’s an ideal dish for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors, and it’s quick enough for a weekday meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef )

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups water

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt to taste

For the Tzatziki:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cucumber, finely grated

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• Salt to taste

For the Cucumber Salad:

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 tomato, diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix ground meat with diced onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.

2. Cook the Rice: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add rice, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until rice is tender.

3. Make the Tzatziki: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, and salt. Stir to combine.

4. Prepare the Cucumber Salad: Combine diced cucumber and tomato in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble the Bowls: In a bowl, layer lemon rice, meatballs, cucumber salad, and tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken: Swap out the lamb or beef for ground chicken for a lighter option.

• Add feta: Top the bowl with crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based meatballs or grilled veggies as a meat substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, and serve with fresh tzatziki and cucumber salad.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, all components can be made in advance and stored separately. Assemble the bowls right before serving.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, the meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure the tzatziki and meatballs do not contain gluten.

Can I use white rice instead of long-grain rice?

Yes, you can substitute with any type of rice you prefer.

Can I make the tzatziki without garlic?

Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer a milder flavor.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the bowls for added nutrition.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt substitute for the tzatziki to make it dairy-free.

Can I add olives to the salad?

Yes, olives would add a wonderful briny flavor to the cucumber salad.

How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Be careful not to overcook the meatballs; check them early to ensure they stay juicy.

What should I serve with these bowls?

These bowls are a complete meal, but pita bread or a side of hummus would complement them nicely.

Conclusion

Gyro bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal, full of Mediterranean flavors that everyone will love. With tender meatballs, zesty lemon rice, fresh cucumber salad, and creamy tzatziki, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile and flavorful addition to your meal rotation

Gyro Bowls (Meatballs with Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad)

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course, Mediterranean
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Gyro Bowls are a Greek-inspired meal that combines juicy spiced meatballs, refreshing lemon rice, tangy tzatziki, and a fresh cucumber salad. It’s a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings Mediterranean flavors together in one bowl. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe is quick, customizable, and loved by everyone!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground lamb (or beef )

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups water

1 tbsp olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt to taste

For the Tzatziki:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cucumber, finely grated

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Salt to taste

For the Cucumber Salad:

1 cucumber, diced

1 tomato, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix ground meat with diced onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.

2. Cook the Rice: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add rice, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until rice is tender.

3. Make the Tzatziki: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, and salt. Stir to combine.

4. Prepare the Cucumber Salad: Combine diced cucumber and tomato in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble the Bowls: In a bowl, layer lemon rice, meatballs, cucumber salad, and tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.

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Notes

Use Chicken: For a lighter option, swap ground lamb or beef for ground chicken.

Add Feta: Top the bowl with crumbled feta cheese for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Vegan Version: Use plant-based meatballs or grilled veggies for a meatless alternative.

Customize: Add olives or roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for more color and nutrition.