Baked Mediterranean-Style Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce

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

Juicy lamb meatballs baked and served in a robust tomato sauce infused with Mediterranean spices reflecting regional flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 45 minutes blends ground lamb, finely diced onion, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/2 cup finely diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 large beaten egg, and 1/3 cup breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 18 equal-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the meatballs.
  3. Step 3: Bake meatballs for 15 minutes, then remove from oven.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Carefully transfer baked meatballs into the tomato sauce, spooning sauce over them. Simmer together on low heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil just before serving. Serve meatballs hot with sauce spooned over, alongside crusty bread or couscous.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Mediterranean-Style Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Mediterranean-Style Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Mediterranean-Style Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato 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 Mediterranean-Style Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato 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 Mediterranean-Style Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Mediterranean lamb 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.

Related recipes