Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- For the Lemon Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- For the Bowl Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Set aside.
- Prepare the lemon rice: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the lemon rice among serving bowls. Top with meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with creamy tzatziki sauce (if desired) and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth. Tzatziki sauce is not included in the ingredient list but can be added as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g