Name: Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound (500 g) ground beef; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 2 medium onions, finely minced or blended; 2 tbsp breadcrumbs; 1 tsp baking soda powder; 1 cup fresh herbs (parsley, mint, coriander), finely chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; 6 medium potatoes, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; Black pepper, to taste; 1 cup thick Greek yogurt; ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; 2 cups crisp lettuce leaves, roughly chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 2 cucumbers, chopped; ½ red onion, chopped; ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that brings all the fresh, savory, and comforting flavors of the Mediterranean together, then this Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe is your new best friend. It combines perfectly spiced meatballs, crispy roasted potatoes, creamy tzatziki, and a fresh Greek salad for a truly delicious and balanced bowl that feels both homey and a little special. Whether you’re cooking for two or just want a tasty lunch with Mediterranean flair, this dish hits all the marks with its mix of textures, colors, and bold, fresh flavors.

A bowl with six browned meatballs placed in a line near the center. Around the meatballs are layers of food: on the top left, uneven green lettuce and light green cucumber pieces; near the top right, a small mix of dark purple olives, brown beans, and small red onion pieces; on the right side, bright red tomato chunks with scattered green herbs; in the center bottom, a creamy white yogurt sauce with green herbs and a drizzle of yellow olive oil on top; along the lower edge, golden-brown potato wedges with a slightly crispy texture. All the food is in a white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing something wonderful to the taste, texture, or color of the dish. Nothing too fancy, just fresh herbs, quality beef, and a handful of pantry staples come together to create magic.

1 pound ground beef: The rich, juicy foundation for the meatballs.
3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor essential to Greek cuisine.
2 medium onions, finely minced or blended: Gives sweetness and moisture, helping keep the meatballs tender.
2 tbsp breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs for perfect texture.
1 tsp baking soda powder: A secret to making meatballs extra fluffy and light.
1 cup fresh herbs (parsley, mint, coriander), finely chopped: Brightens flavors with fresh, aromatic notes.
1 tbsp olive oil: For richness and to help the meatballs cook beautifully.
½ tsp salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
6 medium potatoes, cut into wedges: Roasted to golden perfection with spices for a crispy side.
2 tbsp olive oil (for potatoes): Helps achieve that irresistible crispiness on the wedges.
½ tsp salt, cumin, paprika, oregano (for potatoes): Layers of warming, earthy spices that complement the meatballs.
1 cup thick Greek yogurt: Base of the creamy tzatziki sauce.
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed: Adds freshness and crunch to the tzatziki.
1 garlic clove, minced (for sauce): Provides a slight sharpness to balance the cool yogurt.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens and lifts all the components.
0.3 cup fresh dill or mint, chopped: Herbaceous note for freshness in tzatziki and garnish.
2 cups crisp lettuce leaves, roughly chopped: Crisp base for the bowl’s freshness and texture.
2 medium tomatoes, chopped: Juicy brightness in the Greek salad.
2 cucumbers, chopped: Light cooling crunch to the salad.
½ red onion, chopped: Sweet and pungent bite to balance the salad.
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Briny bursts of Mediterranean flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice (for salad): Simple dressing that ties the salad together perfectly.
Extra fresh herbs for garnish: Adds that final fragrant pop to finish off your creation.

How to Make Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Begin by combining your ground beef with finely minced garlic and onions, blending the mix if you prefer a smoother texture that even picky eaters will love. Add the breadcrumbs, baking soda powder, and your fresh chopped herbs – parsley, mint, and coriander all work beautifully to brighten this meat mixture. Adding a touch of olive oil and seasoning with salt and black pepper rounds out the flavors perfectly. Give everything a good mix and pop it in the fridge for about two hours to let the baking soda do its magic and make the meatballs wonderfully tender and light. Roll the mixture into small balls and either bake them at 425°F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and cooked through or pan-fry them over medium heat in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Roasted Potatoes

While the meatballs chill or cook, preheat your oven to the same 425°F to take advantage of the heat for the crispy potatoes. Toss the potato wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and dried oregano for a deliciously fragrant spice mix. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 60 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. These make the perfect crispy, savory component to balance the juicy meatballs and creamy sauces.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a medium bowl, stir together thick Greek yogurt with grated, well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill or mint, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt to taste. This sauce is cool, creamy, and herbaceous, making it the ideal companion to all the hearty, spiced flavors in your bowl. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve to preserve its bright, fresh qualities.

Step 4: Assemble the Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe

Start by layering roughly chopped crisp lettuce in your serving bowls to create a fresh green bed. Next, add a generous scoop of classic Greek salad featuring chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and halved Kalamata olives tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place a handful of the warm, roasted potato wedges on top, followed by the juicy, golden meatballs. Finally, dollop a big spoonful of your homemade tzatziki and sprinkle extra fresh herbs generously for that final burst of freshness and color. This bowl is a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

How to Serve Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a colorful meal with four browned meatballs placed on a bed of chopped green lettuce. To the left of the meatballs are roasted potato pieces with golden and light brown crispy skins. Above the meatballs is a creamy white yogurt sauce topped with green herbs, next to chopped red tomato pieces. On the right side of the bowl is a fresh mix of cucumber, red onion, tomato, and green herbs. The whole dish is vibrant with mixed textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint are your best friends here. They add vibrant color, lift the flavor, and bring a fragrant freshness that ties all the ingredients together perfectly. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a little crumbled feta can also add exciting touches and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This bowl stands well on its own, but you can complement it with warm pita bread for dipping, a light lemon and herb orzo salad for extra grains, or a simple roasted vegetable platter. These sides will amplify the Mediterranean experience and keep your meals well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe in beautiful bowls or festive plates for a feast feel. For gatherings, you can prepare a make-your-own bowl bar where everyone adds their preferred amount of meatballs, potatoes, tzatziki, and salad. Layering the ingredients in mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch option can also be a fun twist while keeping all those exciting flavors intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs, potatoes, salad, and tzatziki can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate helps maintain freshness and texture, especially for the salad and tzatziki.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs and roasted potatoes in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. It’s best not to freeze the salad or tzatziki as the texture and flavor can change upon thawing. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs and potatoes gently in an oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve their crispness and juiciness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture ideal. Re-stir the tzatziki well before serving fresh again, and toss the salad just before serving to keep it crisp.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs without baking soda?

Yes, you can skip the baking soda if needed, but it helps make the meatballs lighter and fluffier by tenderizing the meat. If you omit it, the meatballs will still be tasty but might be slightly denser.

What herbs are best in the Greek salad?

Fresh parsley and oregano are classic choices, but adding mint or dill can add delightful fresh notes. Feel free to customize based on what you like or have on hand.

Can I substitute ground beef for another meat?

Absolutely! Ground lamb is traditional in Greek cooking and adds a rich flavor, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild and flavorful without being spicy, as it relies on herbs and warm spices like cumin and paprika for depth rather than heat. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the components of the Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe store well separately, making it perfect for meal prep. Assemble bowls fresh before eating to keep textures vibrant and fresh.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dish that feels both hearty and fresh, familiar yet exciting—and that is exactly what this Greek Meatball Bowl Recipe delivers. It’s the kind of meal that you want to serve to friends, savor on a relaxed weeknight, or make ahead for a flavorful lunch. I encourage you to try it soon and enjoy the wonderful balance of flavors and textures that make this recipe such a beloved favorite.