Greek-Inspired Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki and Olive Tapenade

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

Tender lamb meatballs seasoned with Mediterranean spices, served with cool tzatziki and a briny Kalamata olive tapenade for a flavorful combination. This greek-inspired lamb (mediterranean, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground lamb, finely diced red onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: For the olive tapenade, mix 1/2 cup finely chopped Kalamata olives with 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl and set aside.
  5. Step 5: To prepare the tzatziki, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
  6. Step 6: Serve the lamb meatballs topped with a spoonful of olive tapenade and a dollop of tzatziki on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Greek-Inspired Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki and Olive Tapenade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Greek-Inspired Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki and Olive Tapenade?

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 Greek-Inspired Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki and Olive Tapenade?

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 Greek-Inspired Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki and Olive Tapenade 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.

Is Greek-Inspired Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki and Olive Tapenade gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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