Description
This Gyro Bowl recipe features tender and flavorful meatballs made from ground lamb, beef, or pork, served with refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, zesty lemon rice, and a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. Perfect for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, with optional garnishes to customize your bowl.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground lamb, beef, or pork (lamb preferred)
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Tzatziki
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- Half of one European cucumber, peeled, grated, and drained
- 1 cup plain yogurt, drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Lemon Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Juice of one half lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced, halved, or chopped
- 1 cup diced cucumber, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
Recommended Garnishes (All Optional)
- Hummus
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh dill
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sumac spice
- Pita bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, crumbled feta, Greek seasoning, and salt. Mix gently and thoroughly using your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Use a scoop with a release handle to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion between your palms to form round meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making 14 to 20 meatballs depending on size. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes until browned and cooked through, while preparing the other components.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: On a cutting board, sprinkle salt over the garlic and mash it into a paste using the back of a fork. In a medium bowl, mix the garlic paste with grated and drained cucumber, drained plain yogurt, chopped fresh mint, chopped dill, freshly ground black pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust salt as needed, then set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Rice: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt. Stir to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients. Taste and adjust the lemon juice and salt to your preference. Set aside.
- Make the Cucumber & Tomato Salad: In a small bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced and drained cucumber, olive oil, and salt. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Set aside.
- Assemble the Gyro Bowls: Divide the lemon rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the baked meatballs, a generous spoonful of tzatziki, and a helping of the cucumber and tomato salad. Add any optional garnishes such as hummus, crumbled feta, chopped dill, parsley, sumac, or pita bread. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
- Note on Draining Cucumbers: To properly drain cucumbers, peel and grate or dice them, then squeeze out as much water as possible with paper towels. Place them in a colander over a bowl, sprinkle liberally with salt, and toss to coat. Let rest for 20 minutes to release excess moisture. Transfer to fresh paper towels and press or blot remaining liquid. If desired, rinse with cold water to remove excess salt and blot dry again.
Notes
- You can use fresh mint and fresh dill together in the tzatziki, or choose just one based on preference.
- Draining cucumbers properly is essential to prevent watery tzatziki and salad; follow the detailed steps for best results.
- Ground lamb is preferred for authentic flavor, but ground beef or pork can be used as alternatives.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on meatball size; ensure meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Optional garnishes allow for customization and added Mediterranean flair to the bowls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
