Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Lemonherb Yogurt Sauce
Craving Something Different? These Lamb Meatballs Are Calling Your Name!
Ever get bored of the same old meatball routine? Honestly, me too! That's why I went on a mission to create something special.
These lamb meatballs are the answer. They’re packed with Mediterranean flavors and make dinner a total blast. This isn’t just any Greek Meatballs Recipe it's a flavor adventure!
What's So Special About These Ground Lamb Meatballs ?
These aren't your grandma's baked meatballs recipe ! This Greek Meatballs recipe is inspired by sunny Mediterranean shores. These lamb meatballs Greek are a flavorful mix of ground lamb , fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon.
Think of them as a mini vacation for your taste buds!
This recipe is quite manageable, landing at medium difficulty. You will need about 25 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.
This easy lamb recipes yield roughly 20-24 meatballs. It serves 4-6 happy people!
Why You'll Obsess Over These Mediterranean Meatballs
Ground lamb is a fantastic source of protein and iron. Plus, these lamb meatball appetizers are baked, not fried, so you can skip the extra grease.
Serve them at your next party and prepare for rave reviews. Trust me, this Greek Meatballs Recipe will become a staple.
This lemon herb yogurt sauce is the cherry on top, making these lamb meatballs totally irresistible.
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s do this!
Alright, let's chat ingredients for these amazing Mediterranean meatballs . Honestly, getting good stuff really makes all the difference. We are making ground lamb meatballs ! It's not rocket science, but a few tricks will help.
Ingredients & Equipment
The Lamb Love: Main Ingredients
For the lamb meatballs Greek , you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground lamb - aim for 80/20 blend. This is for flavour. I once tried using super lean lamb and they were like hockey pucks. Not good.
- 1 medium yellow onion , finely diced (about 1 cup / 150g )
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs. I love panko because it makes them nice and light.
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
For that killer lemon herb yogurt sauce :
- 1 cup (240g) plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low-fat). Seriously, Greek yogurt is amazing stuff.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed, about 1 lemon). Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, you know?
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Seasoning Notes for Easy Lamb Recipes
Cumin and coriander are key for that Greek meatballs recipe vibe. Don't skip them! Oregano adds a nice earthiness. For the flavor enhancers , fresh herbs are essential.
Dried just isn't the same. For quick subs, dried dill and mint work okay in a pinch. But fresh ones? That makes it Lamb meatball appetizers .
Honestly, the combo of lemon, dill, and mint with the yogurt is just chef's kiss . Try them baked, it's a tasty baked meatballs recipe .
Simple Equipment Needed
You really don't need fancy stuff. This ground lamb recipes is not complicated.
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup). I always use parchment. Less mess!
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or garlic press (optional)
If you don't have a garlic press, just mince the garlic really fine. Easy peasy.
Okay, my loves, let’s dive into making some seriously delicious lamb meatballs . Forget those bland, boring spheres you get at the supermarket.
We’re talking flavor bombs inspired by the sunny shores of the Mediterranean! These ground lamb meatballs are so good, they'll have you saying "Opa!" after every bite.
Trust me, this Greek meatballs recipe is a winner.
Prep Like a Pro for Your Lamb Meatballs
First things first, the mise en place is crucial. This basically means "everything in its place." Dice that onion, mince the garlic like you mean it, and chop those herbs.
Honestly, prepping everything beforehand saves a ton of time and stress. Safety wise, always wash your hands after handling raw meat.
Common sense, right?
Bake Those Balls: step-by-step
- Mix 1.5 lbs of ground lamb , 1 diced yellow onion , and 2 minced garlic cloves in a large bowl.
- Add 1 beaten egg , 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs , 1/4 cup each of chopped parsley and mint . Toss in 2 tablespoons olive oil , 1 teaspoon cumin , 1 teaspoon coriander , 1/2 teaspoon oregano , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper .
- Gently mix everything. Don't overmix! Seriously.
- Roll the mixture into roughly 1 inch Mediterranean meatballs .
- Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 18- 20 minutes . Internal temp should hit 160° F ( 71° C) .
- Whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt , 2 tablespoons lemon juice , 1 tablespoon olive oil , 2 tablespoons dill , 1 tablespoon mint , 1 minced garlic clove , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/8 teaspoon pepper for the lemon herb yogurt sauce .
- Serve those juicy lamb meatballs Greek style with the yogurt sauce. You’ll get the best baked meatballs recipe .
Ground Lamb Recipes : Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs
Want to take these babies to the next level? A little rest before baking lets the flavors meld about 10 minutes is plenty.
One mistake I always made, was overmixing the meat. Never again! To make the meatballs super moist, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil.
You can even make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them raw. Just thaw them completely before baking. The easy lamb recipes are the best ones! These make great lamb meatball appetizers too.
Recipe Notes for Your Awesome Lamb Meatballs
Alright, let’s dive into some extra tips and tricks for making these lamb meatballs the best ever . Honestly, these Mediterranean meatballs are kinda foolproof, but a few pointers never hurt, right? These ground lamb meatballs are also a great alternative to your average Greek Meatballs .
Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!
Presentation matters. Plating lamb meatball appetizers is simple. Arrange your ground lamb meatballs on a platter with a generous dollop of lemon herb yogurt sauce .
A sprinkle of fresh dill or mint adds that "chef's kiss" touch.
For sides, think Mediterranean! Roasted veggies like peppers and zucchini are perfect. Couscous or quinoa are great too. And don't forget a refreshing Greek salad! These Greek Meatballs Recipe alternatives deserves great sides.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Got leftovers? No problem. Store your baked meatballs recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for up to 3-4 days.
The lemon herb yogurt sauce is also best stored separately.
Freezing is an option! Let the lamb meatballs Greek cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
This prevents them from sticking. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Make sure to use good ground lamb recipes .
Variations: Make It Your Own
Got dietary needs? These Easy lamb recipes are super adaptable. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. dairy-free? Swap the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt. Seriously, it works!
Swap up the herbs depending on what you have on hand. In the summer? Fresh basil is amazing. Winter? Rosemary adds a cozy vibe.
Also substitute your protein. You can make these with ground beef or ground turkey.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
These lamb meatballs aren't just delicious; they're good for you too! Packed with protein, they'll keep you full and satisfied. Lamb is a good source of iron and other essential nutrients.
Of course, the lemon herb yogurt sauce adds a dose of healthy fats and probiotics. It's a win-win. This Greek Meatballs variation can also be Lamb Meatballs Greek and is a great twist on nutrition!
So, go ahead and get cooking. Don't be afraid to experiment! These Lamb Meatball appetizers are all about having fun in the kitchen. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my lamb meatballs from being dry?
Nobody wants a dry meatball! The key is to avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten and results in a tougher, drier meatball. Also, be sure you're using ground lamb with some fat content (an 80/20 blend is ideal) to keep them juicy.
Think of it like baking a cake a gentle touch is best!
Can I freeze these lamb meatballs?
Absolutely! Cooked lamb meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely after baking, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.
They'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or in a sauce on the stovetop. Just like leftovers from a Sunday roast, they're even better the next day!
What can I serve with these Mediterranean lamb meatballs besides yogurt sauce?
While the lemon herb yogurt sauce is a star, these lamb meatballs are versatile! They're fantastic served in pita bread with hummus and a sprinkle of feta cheese, almost like a deconstructed gyro. You could also serve them over couscous or quinoa with roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
A fresh Greek salad on the side would also be absolutely smashing.
Are there any variations I can make to these lamb meatballs?
Definitely! If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the meatball mixture. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
You can also adjust the herbs to your liking try adding some fresh oregano or rosemary for a different flavor profile. Think of it as putting your own personal spin on a classic!
How do I make sure the lamb meatballs are cooked all the way through?
Safety first! The best way to ensure your lamb meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Visual cues also help they should be lightly browned and firm to the touch.
It's like making sure your Christmas turkey is perfectly done!
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb in this lamb meatballs recipe?
While the recipe is designed for lamb, you absolutely can substitute ground beef if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different. Lamb has a distinctive, slightly gamey taste that ground beef lacks.
If using ground beef, you might want to add a touch more cumin or coriander to enhance the Mediterranean flavors. Consider it a "beefed-up" version of the original!
Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs With Lemonherb Yogu
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
