Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs

Name: Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Isabella

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This Mediterranean bowl with ground turkey meatballs brings together a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, seasoned turkey meatballs, and a zesty tzatziki sauce. It’s a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of the day. The ground turkey meatballs are juicy and packed with spices, while the crisp vegetables and creamy feta cheese add just the right amount of contrast. I love how the tzatziki sauce ties it all together, giving each bite a refreshing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find that this Mediterranean-inspired bowl is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal. The turkey meatballs are seasoned to perfection with cumin, oregano, and garlic, which makes them incredibly flavorful. Paired with the fresh and crunchy veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives, it’s a meal that’s both vibrant and wholesome. The creamy tzatziki sauce is the star of the dish, bringing a cool and tangy flavor that ties everything together perfectly. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, so it’s great for meal prep, and you can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether I’m looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a balanced lunch, this Mediterranean bowl is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground turkey

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Directions

In a large bowl, I combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. I mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Then I form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, I add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

While the meatballs are cooking, I prepare the quinoa or brown rice and chop the vegetables.

To assemble, I divide the quinoa or rice among bowls. I top it with the cooked meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

I drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the top and garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Then, I serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 3 servings

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is, and there are plenty of ways to switch things up based on what I have available. For example, I can swap the ground turkey for chicken or even lamb for a more authentic Mediterranean flavor. If I’m looking for a gluten-free option, I make sure to use quinoa as the base, though brown rice works just as well. For a dairy-free version, I simply leave out the feta cheese and opt for a dairy-free tzatziki sauce. Sometimes, I even add roasted vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers to the bowl for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I usually store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for about 2-3 days. If I’m preparing this for meal prep, I keep the meatballs, rice, and veggies separate from the tzatziki sauce until it’s time to eat, which helps keep everything fresh. To reheat, I microwave the meatballs and rice or quinoa for a few minutes until they’re heated through. The tzatziki sauce can be served cold directly from the fridge, making it super convenient to enjoy.

Related Recipes:

Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls

FAQs

Can I make the turkey meatballs in advance?

Yes, I can easily prepare the turkey meatballs in advance. I often make a large batch, cook them, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Can I use a different type of grain for the base?

Absolutely! While I often use quinoa or brown rice, I can also use couscous, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If I like a little extra heat, I can add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle them on top before serving. A few dashes of hot sauce or a bit of chopped fresh chili in the tzatziki sauce can also do the trick.

Can I skip the tzatziki sauce?

I can skip the tzatziki sauce if I prefer, or swap it out for a different dressing or sauce. A tahini dressing or even a simple lemon vinaigrette would complement the flavors of this bowl nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Mediterranean bowl is great for meal prep! The meatballs and rice can be made ahead of time, and the ingredients can be stored separately for easy assembly throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Bowl with Ground Turkey Meatballs is one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, nutritious, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, and it’s so easy to customize to suit my tastes. Whether I’m enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this recipe is always a hit in my kitchen. I love how satisfying and vibrant each bite is, making it a dish I can enjoy again and again.

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