Description
The Greek Meatball Bowl is a vibrant and easy-to-make meal featuring juicy, herb-infused meatballs, fresh vegetables, zesty seasonings, and creamy plant-based feta cheese. This dish balances freshness and heartiness with a delightful mix of textures and Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a nutritious and colorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp oregano (natural)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (optional)
Grain Base
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing & Garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
- Extra fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Finely chop fresh parsley, mint, garlic, and onion. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the herbs, oregano, cumin, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent if using. Mix gently but thoroughly until uniformly combined.
- Form and Cook the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray or skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally until browned evenly and cooked through.
- Prepare the Grain Base and Vegetables: Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. Finely chop cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Toss vegetables with olive oil and lemon juice or serve fresh.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place a scoop of cooked grains in each serving bowl. Arrange meatballs on top, followed by the fresh vegetable mix. Sprinkle crumbled plant-based feta cheese over the top. Drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice if desired. Garnish with extra chopped herbs.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley and mint to brighten the flavor.
- Mix meatball ingredients just enough to combine; avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.
- Turn meatballs regularly for an even golden crust.
- Let meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking to seal in juices.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil to balance the acidity and freshness of the bowl.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Greek meatball bowl, Mediterranean, meatballs, plant-based feta, quinoa, healthy bowl, easy dinner
