Greek Lamb Meatballs with Feta Tzatziki Recipe
These Greek Lamb Meatballs with Feta Tzatziki are a delicious and aromatic dish combining tender, juicy lamb meatballs infused with fresh herbs and spices, served with a creamy, tangy feta tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe highlights traditional Greek flavors with a modern, easy-to-make approach.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground lamb
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh mint, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 Persian cucumber, small diced
- 1 lemon, juiced (plus more if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup feta cheese
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to broil. Position the oven rack a few inches below the broiler element to ensure the meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Mix meatball ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the ground lamb, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, egg, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to retain tenderness.
- Form meatballs. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart for even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs. Broil the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them once halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Alternatively, bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and nicely browned.
- Prepare the feta tzatziki. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve. Arrange the cooked lamb meatballs on a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve the feta tzatziki alongside for dipping.
Notes
- The combination of lamb and fresh mint creates a classic Greek flavor that is both savory and aromatic.
- If preferred, ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey can be substituted for the lamb for a different but equally delicious taste.
- Adjust the lemon juice in the tzatziki to your preferred level of tanginess.
- Serve with warm pita bread or a simple Greek salad to complete your meal.
