Description
Flavorful lamb and herb meatballs served over fluffy rice with crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. A hearty and refreshing bowl perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives (optional)
- For Tzatziki: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cucumber grated and squeezed dry, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water or broth to a boil, add rice, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Fluff with fork and set aside.
- Make meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Prepare tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill or mint, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
- Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with meatballs, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion slices, and olives if using.
- Serve: Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and add a pinch of smoked paprika. Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: Mediterranean