Description
Greek-inspired gyro bowls offer a Mediterranean culinary journey packed with savory lamb, zesty tzatziki, and crisp vegetables. Homemade pita chips and fragrant herbs elevate you to a delightful dining experience reminiscent of Greece’s coastal charm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup feta cheese, finely crumbled (453.6 g)
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups rice (white or brown), cooked
- 1 cup yogurt, plain, drained
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced and drained
- ½ European cucumber, peeled, grated, and drained
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp mint, fresh, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp dill, fresh, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 tsp Greek seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (for cucumber & tomato salad)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp salt (for tzatziki)
- ¼ tsp salt (for rice)
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Hummus
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Kalamata olives
- Dill, chopped
- Parsley, chopped
- Sumac
- Pitas
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Meatball Crafting: Blend ground meat with herbs, spices, garlic, breadcrumbs, and egg using gentle hand mixing to maintain tender texture. Form uniform meatballs using a cookie scoop, creating 14-20 consistent portions.
- Roasting: Arrange meatballs on prepared baking sheet, ensuring spacing for proper heat circulation. Roast for 10-14 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Tzatziki Creation: Crush garlic with kosher salt to release aromatic oils. Combine with strained yogurt, chopped cucumber, mint, dill, black pepper, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Rice Preparation: Transform cooked rice with freshly squeezed lemon juice and salt for a zesty base.
- Salad Assembly: Toss diced cucumber and tomatoes with olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt to create a vibrant side.
- Bowl Composition: Layer lemon-infused rice as a foundation, top with golden-brown meatballs, crown with generous tzatziki, and scatter cucumber-tomato salad.
- Final Touch: Enhance with optional herbs, olive oil drizzle, or crumbled feta cheese for added flavor complexity.
Notes
- Meat Mixing Mastery: Gently blend ingredients to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
- Uniform Cooking Technique: Use a cookie scoop for consistent meatball sizes to ensure even browning and perfectly cooked protein.
- Garlic Transformation Tip: Crush garlic with salt to release deeper flavors and soften its intense raw bite.
- Bowl Styling Hack: Layer components strategically for maximum visual appeal and flavor balance, adding optional toppings for extra gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg