Baked Dill Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb meatballs simmered in a tomato basil sauce, ideal for meal prep and weeknight dinners. This mediterranean-inspired meal prep ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground lamb, fresh dill, small onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 small onion (finely diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then form into 12 equal-sized meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes total.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes into the skillet, then add 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover and bake for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Serve hot with 1/4 cup grated parmesan sprinkled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Dill Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Dill Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Dill Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Dill Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Dill Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Mediterranean meal prep like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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