Grilled Lamb Keftedes with Tzatziki Sauce

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

Juicy Greek lamb meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki. This greek-inspired lamb (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends ground lamb, small, grated yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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: 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 small grated yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix ingredients gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 16 small, golf-ball-sized meatballs. Brush each meatball lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki: combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 medium cucumber finely grated and drained, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled lamb keftedes hot with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lamb Keftedes with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lamb Keftedes with Tzatziki 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 Grilled Lamb Keftedes with Tzatziki 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 Grilled Lamb Keftedes with Tzatziki 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.

Is Grilled Lamb Keftedes with Tzatziki Sauce low carb?

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

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