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

Preheat your oven’s broiler or set to bake at 400–425 °F. en.wikipedia.org+5whipandwander.com+5shekeepsalovelyhome.com+5rachlmansfield.comwhatsgabycooking.com
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
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
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.
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
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!