Description
Mediterranean-inspired gyro bowls deliver Greek flavors in a fresh, deconstructed style. Juicy marinated lamb, tangy tzatziki, and crisp vegetables create a delicious one-bowl meal you can savor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese (453.6 grams)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for tzatziki)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for rice)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for cucumber & tomato salad)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Herbs, Produce, and Dairy:
- ½ European cucumber, peeled, grated, and drained
- 1 cup plain yogurt, drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced and drained
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Recommended Garnishes:
- Hummus
- Crumbled feta
- Kalamata olives
- Chopped dill
- Chopped parsley
- Sumac
- Pitas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground meat with herbs, spices, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and egg using gentle hand mixing to maintain meat’s tender texture.
- Carefully craft uniform meatballs using a cookie scoop or hands, aiming for 14-20 consistently sized portions that will cook evenly.
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching, which allows proper heat circulation and promotes even browning.
- Roast meatballs in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes until they develop a rich golden exterior and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Create garlic paste by crushing minced garlic with a pinch of kosher salt using the back of a fork, releasing aromatic oils and softening garlic’s sharp edge.
- Prepare tzatziki by combining garlic paste with strained yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, fresh mint, dill, cracked black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Whisk tzatziki ingredients until smooth, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or herbs as desired.
- Transform plain rice into zesty lemon rice by mixing cooked grains with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a measured amount of salt.
- Craft a vibrant cucumber and tomato salad by gently tossing diced vegetables with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt.
- Assemble gyro bowls by creating a base layer of lemon-infused rice, then strategically placing golden-brown meatballs on top.
- Generously crown each bowl with a dollop of creamy tzatziki and a colorful medley of cucumber and tomato salad.
- Optionally enhance the presentation with additional herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor complexity.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: Prepare meatballs and tzatziki a day ahead to save time and enhance flavors.
- Meatball Mastery: Use lean ground meat and mix gently to keep the texture tender and juicy.
- Tzatziki Tip: Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure creamy consistency.
- Rice Rescue: Use day-old rice for better texture and prevent clumping when mixing with lemon.
- Customization Corner: Swap proteins or add extra herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Serving Suggestion: For a low-carb option, replace rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg