Mediterranean Gyro Bowls: A Flavorful Journey into Healthy Eating Recipe

Introduction

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these delicious Gyro Bowls. Combining tender meatballs, refreshing tzatziki, zesty lemon rice, and a crisp cucumber salad, this recipe is a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for rice and another tablespoon for salad)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus juice of 1 lemon for rice)
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine or white)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb (or beef) with breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through, turning halfway.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Step 5: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the basmati rice and toast for about 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Pour in the broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
7. Step 7: In a mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives (if using), olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
8. Step 8: To assemble, layer lemon rice in bowls, add meatballs, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and a side of cucumber salad. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lamb or beef.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a brighter taste in the tzatziki and meatballs.
• Try adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the bowl for extra color and nutrition.
• If you prefer, cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat instead of baking, turning frequently to brown all sides.

Storage

Store any leftovers separately in airtight containers. Meatballs and lemon rice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tzatziki sauce should be consumed within 2 days for best freshness. Reheat meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add fresh cucumber salad just before serving to maintain its crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help save time on the day you plan to serve the dish.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt strained through a fine mesh to remove excess moisture, making it thicker and creamier for the sauce.

Mediterranean Gyro Bowls: A Flavorful Journey into Healthy Eating Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

Mediterranean Gyro Bowls combine flavorful lamb meatballs, refreshing tzatziki sauce, zesty lemon rice, and a crisp cucumber salad for a wholesome, satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste

For the Lemon Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cucumber Salad:

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine or white)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb (or beef) with breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then form the mixture into small golf-ball-sized meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through, turning halfway through cooking for even browning.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Stir well and chill in the refrigerator until serving time to allow flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Lemon Rice: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add basmati rice and toast it for approximately 2 minutes to enhance flavor. Pour in broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.
5. Create the Cucumber Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, olives if using, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Assemble the Gyro Bowls: In individual serving bowls, layer the lemon rice first, followed by the baked meatballs, then spoon on a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and add a side of cucumber salad. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh parsley or dill for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• For a leaner option, substitute ground beef for lamb or use a mixture of both.
• Make sure to drain the grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
• The meatballs can be cooked on the stovetop in a skillet if you prefer pan-frying over baking.
• Leftover lemon rice can be used as a base for other Mediterranean bowls or served alongside grilled vegetables.
• Olives in the cucumber salad are optional but add a nice salty contrast to the fresh vegetables.

Keywords: Mediterranean Gyro Bowls, Lamb Meatballs, Tzatziki Sauce, Lemon Rice, Cucumber Salad, Healthy Eating