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Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

A vibrant, flavorful dish capturing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with rich meatballs and a cool tzatziki sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Choose a high-quality cut for juicy meatballs.
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs Adds crunch and texture.
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley Fresh and bright for flavor and color.
  • 3 tablespoons grated onion Brings moisture and subtle sweetness.
  • 1 clove garlic (grated) Enhances the meat with aromatic intensity.
  • zest of 1 lemon Adds a zesty kick.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice For acidity and freshness.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Classic Mediterranean herb.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander Warm, citrus-like flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Adds earthy warmth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and depth.
  • to taste salt and fresh ground black pepper Essential for flavor balance.
  • 2 ounces feta cheese (crumbled) Creaminess and saltiness.
For the Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cucumber (liquid squeezed out) Provides freshness.
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt Creamy and tangy base.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill Complements the dish perfectly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Extra flavor for the tzatziki.
  • to taste salt and fresh ground black pepper Enhances the flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, spritzed with cooking oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the panko, parsley, grated onion, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg, and all the spices. Season with salt and pepper, then crumble in the feta cheese.
  3. Gently add the lean ground beef to the mixture and stir using your hands, but do not overwork the meat.
  4. Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture to form meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Spray or brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
  2. While the meatballs bake, mix together shredded cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl for the tzatziki sauce.
Serving
  1. Once the meatballs are ready, serve warm with the tzatziki sauce. Enjoy with pita bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

Opt for grass-fed beef for richer flavor. Soak breadcrumbs for moisture, and refrigerate meatballs before baking for firmer texture.