Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaf parsley
- 3 tablespoons grated onion
- 1 clove garlic
grated
- Zest of a lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 2 ounces feta cheese
cubed or crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cucumber
- 1 1/2 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic or 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
- 2
In a large bowl whisk together the panko, parsley, grated onion, garlic, lemon zest and juice, egg, spices, salt and pepper. If you aren't planning to stuff the meatballs with a cube of feta add the feta crumbles to the mixture.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the mixture and combine with your hands being careful not to over-work the meat mixture. Form approximately 1 tablespoon sized meatballs. If you are stuffing the meatballs with feta, stuff a small cube of feta into the center of each meatball making sure it is completely covered.
- 4
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray, then place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- 5
Make the tzatziki sauce while the meatballs are baking by combining all of the ingredient in a medium sized bowl and stirring together until combined.
- 6
Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve with the tzatziki sauce.
Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving the vibrant, savory flavors of the Mediterranean right in your kitchen? These Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce bring that authentic taste home, perfect for a satisfying dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to please Greek food lovers.
What makes this recipe truly special is the thoughtful blend of aromatic spices, bright lemon, and salty feta cheese woven into every meatball. You'll find a symphony of dried oregano, ground coriander, cumin, and a whisper of cinnamon that elevates the lean ground beef, creating a deeply flavorful foundation. This careful combination of ingredients, from the fresh parsley and grated onion to the tangy lemon zest, ensures each bite is packed with traditional Greek essence. Paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki, it’s a harmonious balance of rich and refreshing.
Prepare for a delightful culinary experience featuring tender, juicy meatballs bursting with savory, herby notes and a zesty finish from fresh lemon. The mild pungency of grated onion and garlic complements the rich beef, while the feta cheese adds inviting pockets of tangy creaminess that melt slightly into the meat. This is beautifully contrasted by the refreshing tzatziki, offering a cooling counterpoint with its crisp shredded cucumber, fragrant fresh dill, and tangy plain non-fat Greek yogurt. The texture of the meatballs combined with the smooth sauce creates a comforting yet exciting dish that’s both hearty and light, leaving you wanting more.
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your pantry or preferences. The recipe calls for panko breadcrumbs, but gluten-free breadcrumbs can be easily swapped in if you're looking for an alternative. For the feta cheese, you can choose to use it either cubed or crumbled, depending on whether you prefer distinct pockets of tangy cheese or a more integrated flavor throughout the meatballs. Additionally, the tzatziki offers flexibility with garlic: use either grated fresh garlic or granulated garlic based on what you have on hand or your preferred intensity.
Serve these delightful Greek Meatballs as a sophisticated appetizer at your next gathering, making sure to offer plenty of the cool tzatziki for dipping. They also make a fantastic main course for a weeknight dinner. Consider pairing them with a fresh Greek salad, fluffy rice, or warm pita bread to sop up all the delicious flavors.