Hidden Herb-Stuffed Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs
Juicy lamb meatballs with a hidden center of fresh herbs and feta, simmered in a tomato sauce rich with Mediterranean flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs ground lamb, feta cheese, fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 4 oz, crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small, diced yellow onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 equal balls. Press your thumb into the center of each ball and insert 1 tsp crumbled feta cheese mixed with 1 tsp chopped parsley and 1 tsp chopped mint to create a hidden herb and cheese center. Seal the meat around the filling to reform the ball.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 small diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until cooked through. Garnish with remaining parsley and mint before serving with warm pita or couscous.








