Half-Baked Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki

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

Savory lamb meatballs baked halfway and finished under the broiler for a tender interior and crisp exterior, served with cooling cucumber tzatziki. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, breadcrumbs, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes until halfway cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Turn on the broiler. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the meatballs and broil for 3-4 minutes until the exterior is crisp and browned, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry), and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb meatballs warm with a dollop of tzatziki on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Baked Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Half-Baked Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki?

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 Half-Baked Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki?

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 Half-Baked Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki 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 Half-Baked Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki?

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.

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