Herbed Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

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

Juicy lamb meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, oven-baked and served with a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce featuring cucumber and garlic. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 37 minutes blends ground lamb, breadcrumbs, large egg 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 360 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: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the top.
  3. Step 3: Bake meatballs for 20-22 minutes, turning once halfway, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, make the tzatziki sauce: In a bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated cucumber (squeezed dry), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 minced garlic clove. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Serve the warm lamb meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce alongside for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Herbed Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs 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 Herbed Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs 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 Herbed Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs 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.

What goes well with Herbed Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki 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.

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