Crispy, juicy, and absolutely delicious! This traditional Greek lamb meatball recipe is a must-try. Juicy ground lamb, seasoned with fresh mint, garlic, and oregano, garnished with cooling tzatziki sauce, and served with crispy, fluffy pita bread—it’s perfection!
If you love lamb, this recipe is made just for you. The meatballs are straightforward, and you probably have most of the ingredients at home. The lamb and mint combo is irresistible, but you can easily substitute any other ground meat and it’ll still be delicious. The secret lies in the sauce—the feta tzatziki is truly dreamy.
To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, heat them in the microwave for 45 seconds to a minute. The tzatziki sauce can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To freeze the meatballs, store them in a plastic bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the tzatziki sauce, but be aware that the texture and consistency might change after thawing.
Greek Lamb Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound Ground lamb
- ½ cup Red onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Flat-leaf parsley minced
- 2 tsp fresh Mint minced
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp Panko breadcrumbs
- 1½ tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp Freshly ground black pepper
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 Persian cucumber small dice
- 1 Lemon juiced (plus more if needed)
- 3 cloves Garlic finely minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- ½ cup Feta crumbled
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to broil.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine lamb with all meatball ingredients. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place the meatballs two inches apart on a baking sheet and position the sheet a few inches from the heat source. Broil for about 5-7 minutes, turning once halfway through. Alternatively, bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Make the Tzatziki: Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Adjust lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs with the feta tzatziki for dipping.
Notes
- The combination of lamb and mint is fantastic! If you’re not a fan of lamb, you can substitute ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 460 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 14g |
Protein | 27g |
Fat | 31g |
Cholesterol | 143mg |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 5g |
Can I Substitute Lamb with Another Type of Meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute lamb with other types of ground meat if you prefer or if lamb is not available. Ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey all work well in this recipe. Each type of meat will bring its unique flavor, but the meatballs will still be delicious and flavorful. Just follow the same instructions for mixing and cooking.
How Do I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Thicker or Thinner?
To adjust the thickness of the tzatziki sauce, you can tweak the amount of Greek yogurt and lemon juice you use. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use more Greek yogurt and less lemon juice. Conversely, if you want a thinner sauce, add more lemon juice or a splash of water.