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Flavorful Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe

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A quick and easy Greek meatball bowl featuring juicy spiced meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and fluffy couscous, perfect for a comforting and fresh meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) or lamb
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (1 for tzatziki, 2 for meatballs)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus extra for couscous)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp olive oil (for tzatziki)
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup Israeli or regular couscous
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for couscous)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Chopped fresh mint or parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Optional garnishes: halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tzatziki: Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a fine mesh strainer or clean towel. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form meatballs into golf ball-sized portions (about 1 1/2 inches diameter). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  4. Cook the couscous: Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint or parsley if using.
  5. Assemble the bowl: Layer couscous in serving bowls, top with meatballs, and spoon tzatziki over. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Squeeze out excess water from cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki. Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Fluff couscous gently with a fork to keep grains separate. Meatballs can be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes as an alternative to pan-frying. Prepare tzatziki and couscous ahead to save time. Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for gluten-free option. Use dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek meatballs, tzatziki, couscous, easy dinner, Mediterranean, healthy bowl, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://larameals.com/flavorful-greek-meatball-bowl-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-couscous-and-tzatziki/