Greek Meatball Bowls with Lemon Rice and Feta Crumble -

Greek Meatball Bowls with Lemon Rice & Feta Crumble are a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. This satisfying dish combines savory meatballs with zesty lemon rice and creamy feta, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep. Loaded with nutritious ingredients, this recipe offers both flavor and wholesomeness, keeping everyone coming back for more.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is an absolute winner for numerous reasons. First and foremost, it combines the rich flavors of seasoned meatballs, aromatic lemon rice, and the tangy goodness of feta cheese. Additionally, it’s quick and easy to whip up, taking just about 45 minutes from prep to plate. With its customizable ingredients, swap out ground beef for lamb or your choice of grains; it’s suitable for different culinary preferences. Plus, it packs well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep!

Pro Tips for Making Greek Meatball Bowls with Lemon Rice & Feta Crumble

Maximize your cooking experience by following these helpful tips:

Meatball Variations: Consider using ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. You can also add herbs like mint or dill for added freshness.
Rice Alternatives: Try substituting long-grain rice with quinoa or couscous for a twist in texture and flavor.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based mince and chickpea flour in place of meat and eggs for a delicious vegan option.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Leftover Rice: Any extra lemon rice can be refrigerated and served as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this scrumptious dish:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth or water
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Olive oil, for cooking

Directions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious Greek Meatball Bowls:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Step 5: While the meatballs bake, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil.
Step 6: Add the rice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Remove the rice from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Step 8: To serve, divide the lemon rice into bowls, top with meatballs, and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well for a lighter alternative.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth in the rice for a delicious vegetarian version.

4. Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. What can I serve with Greek Meatball Bowls?

A fresh salad, tzatziki sauce, or grilled vegetables make great accompaniments to this dish.

Conclusion

Greek Meatball Bowls with Lemon Rice & Feta Crumble are a heavenly dish that celebrates the richness of Greek cuisine while being simple enough for a weeknight meal. This delightful bowl will not only nourish your body but also please your taste buds. Follow this recipe to create a dish that can easily become a family favorite, worthy of any dinner table!