Go Back

Greek Turkey Meatball Dinner Bowls - Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey: 1 to 1.25 pounds (93% lean is ideal for juiciness)
  • Feta cheese: Crumbled, about 1/2 cup
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Panko breadcrumbs: About 1/2 cup (or plain breadcrumbs)
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely minced (plus extra for topping)
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, and mint (a mix is best; about 1/4 cup chopped total)
  • Lemon: 2 (zest and juice)
  • Olive oil: Extra-virgin
  • Greek yogurt: Plain, 1–2 cups for tzatziki and drizzle
  • Cucumber: 1 English cucumber (half for tzatziki, half for topping)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint, halved
  • Kalamata olives: Pitted, about 1/2 cup, sliced
  • Rice or grain: 2 cups cooked (brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or farro)
  • Spinach or arugula: A few handfuls for greens
  • Red wine vinegar: For quick tomato-onion toss
  • Ground cumin, dried oregano: For the meatballs
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Optional extras: Hummus, pickled onions, pepperoncini, pita chips

Method
 

  1. Cook your base grain: Make 2 cups cooked rice or your preferred grain. Fluff with a fork and set aside. Squeeze in a little lemon and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
  2. Prep quick tzatziki: Grate half the cucumber, squeeze out excess water with a towel, then mix with Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and chopped dill. Chill while you cook.
  3. Mix the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, panko, minced red onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, crumbled feta, chopped herbs, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Shape the meatballs: Lightly oil your hands and form 18–20 golf ball–sized meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan or plate.
  5. Choose your cooking method: Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 14–18 minutes, until browned and cooked through (165°F internal).
  6. Skillet: Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Sear meatballs on all sides, 6–8 minutes total, then lower heat and cover 2–3 minutes to finish.
  7. Air fryer: 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
  8. Toss the veggies: In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced olives, a splash of red wine vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 5–10 minutes.
  9. Slice fresh cucumber: Thinly slice the remaining half cucumber. Pat dry and season with a tiny pinch of salt and lemon juice.
  10. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of rice or grains, then a handful of greens. Top with 3–5 meatballs, a spoonful of tzatziki, marinated tomatoes and olives, cucumber slices, and extra feta if you like.
  11. Finish with a drizzle: Stir a squeeze of lemon and a splash of olive oil into a spoonful of Greek yogurt to make a quick creamy drizzle. Add over the top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and black pepper.
  12. Taste and adjust: Add salt, more lemon, or a few chili flakes if you want heat. Serve right away.