Juicy, herb‑loaded lamb meatballs pan‑seared to golden perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki—perfect as appetizers, in wraps, or for a light Mediterranean meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish marries bold Mediterranean flavors with effortless prep. Tangy tzatziki balances rich lamb meatballs, creating a satisfying and elegant combo that works beautifully for dinners, parties, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the tzatziki sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine ground lamb, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, egg, and breadcrumbs; mix until evenly incorporated.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden all over and cooked through—about 8–10 minutes total. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill or parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve the warm meatballs with a generous spoonful of tzatziki and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 (about 4–5 meatballs per person)
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder to the meatball mixture.
• Herb twist: Substitute dill with fresh mint or cilantro in the tzatziki for a different flavor.
• Grain-free option: Skip breadcrumbs or use almond meal in place of breadcrumbs.
• Baking option: Instead of pan‑searing, bake meatballs at 400 °F (200 °C) on a parchment‑lined sheet for 15–18 minutes.
• Serve differently: Try them in pita wraps with tomatoes, lettuce, and tzatziki, or as skewers with veggies.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled meatballs in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium‑low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Microwave: Reheat in 30‑second bursts until heated through. If sauce separates, stir back together.

FAQs

What type of ground meat works best?

Ground lamb gives the most authentic Mediterranean flavor, though you can use beef or a beef‑pork blend if preferred.

Can I make meatballs gluten‑free?

Yes—omit breadcrumbs or use gluten‑free breadcrumbs or almond meal instead.

Do I need to drain the cucumber for tzatziki?

Absolutely—draining prevents excess moisture and ensures a creamy consistency.

Can I prepare tzatziki ahead?

Yes—tzatziki can be made up to a day in advance; stir before serving.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Use 1 teaspoon dried dill or parsley for every tablespoon of fresh herb.

How can I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t overmix, and ensure the egg and breadcrumbs bind the mixture well. Chill briefly before cooking if mixture feels loose.

Can I bake the meatballs instead?

Yes—bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for approximately 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.

How do I know when they’re cooked?

They are done when browned all over and no longer pink inside. A meat thermometer should read 160 °F (71 °C).

What’s a good side dish?

Serve with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, warm pita, or rice pilaf.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—the ingredients scale easily. Increase cooking time slightly if adding more meatballs.

Conclusion

Greek lamb meatballs with tzatziki are a quick, flavorful, and versatile meal perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep time and fresh Mediterranean flavors, this dish makes meal planning a delight. Whether served on their own, in wraps, or alongside salads, these meatballs offer a balance of richness and brightness that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

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