Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Juicy, Mediterranean-inspired lamb meatballs infused with fresh herbs and spices, paired with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce—ideal as an appetizer or a satisfying main.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are quick to prepare and burst with complex flavors—from savory lamb to mint and cumin—while the cool tzatziki balances them perfectly. A crowd-pleasing dish that feels both gourmet and homey, ready in around 30 minutes.

ingredients

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

• ground lamb
• finely chopped red (or yellow) onion
• minced garlic
• chopped parsley and fresh mint (plus dill for sauce)
• panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
• egg
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil (for baking or pan‑frying)
• Greek yogurt
• cucumber (seeded, diced or grated)
• lemon juice
• optional: crumbled feta (in meatballs or sauce)

directions

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler or set to bake at 400–425 °F. en.wikipedia.org+5whipandwander.com+5shekeepsalovelyhome.com+5rachlmansfield.comwhatsgabycooking.com
2. In a medium bowl, mix ground lamb with onion, garlic, herbs, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper (and optionally feta). usa.fage+2whatsgabycooking.com+2feelgoodfoodie.net+2
3. Form into golf‑ball sized meatballs, arranging them about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. en.wikipedia.org+15whatsgabycooking.com+15foodnetwork.com+15
4. Broil: Cook under the broiler for 5–7 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and cooked through. Or bake at 425 °F for 8–10 minutes, then optionally broil to crisp.
5. While meatballs cook, prepare tzatziki by combining yogurt, cucumber (well-drained), garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. whipandwander.com+10whatsgabycooking.com+10usa.fage+10
6. Serve meatballs hot with tzatziki for dipping or drizzling.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 12–16 meatballs, serving 4 people
• Prep time: ~20 minutes
• Cook time: ~5–15 minutes depending on method
• Total time: Approximately 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Herb and spice tweaks: Add cumin, coriander, or replace mint with dill or oregano. allrecipes.com+15feelgoodfoodie.net+15theguardian.com+15
• Feta-studded: Mix crumbled feta into the meat mixture for extra richness. allrecipes.com+2feelgoodfoodie.net+2halfbakedharvest.com+2
• Pan-fry option: Cook meatballs in a skillet with olive oil instead of baking, browning all sides.
• Grilled version: Shape into patties or sliders and grill—perfect for summer cook‑outs.

storage/reheating

• Fridge: Store meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days; tzatziki lasts about the same.
• Freezer: Freeze meatballs (but not tzatziki) for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in the oven or microwave; serve sauce cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute other meats for lamb?

Yes—ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or even bison work well.

2. How do I prevent watery tzatziki?

Drain grated cucumber by salting and squeezing out moisture (“disgorging”) before mixing. whipandwander.com+1foodnetwork.com+1

3. What internal temperature ensures cooked meatballs?

Aim for 160 °F (71 °C); or bake until no longer pink inside. theguardian.com+10feelgoodfoodie.net+10rachlmansfield.com+10

4. Can I bake instead of broil?

Yes—bake at 425 °F for 8–10 minutes, then broil briefly for color. whatsgabycooking.com+1allrecipes.com+1

5. Can I prepare ahead?

Absolutely—shape meatballs ahead and refrigerate; cook just before serving. Sauce can be made ahead too.

6. Is this gluten‑free?

Use gluten‑free breadcrumbs or omit them; meat binds well with egg and herbs.

7. How do I make tzatziki dairy‑free?

Use plant-based yogurt and cucumber—omit dill if desired.

8. Can I add other spices?

Yes—cumin, coriander, sweet paprika, or red pepper flakes can deepen the flavor. usa.fage+2whatsgabycooking.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2

9. What to serve alongside?

Greek salad, pita, roasted veggies, lemon rice, or orzo make excellent accompaniments. allrecipes.com

10. Can I grill these?

Yes—form into patties or thread on skewers (kebabs) and grill until cooked through.

Conclusion

Greek lamb meatballs with tzatziki are a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s elegant yet easy to make. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or part of a Mediterranean spread. With variations to suit dietary needs and simple prep—this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation!

Print