Mediterranean Herb-Infused Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki
Juicy lamb meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, baked and served with a cooling cucumber yogurt tzatziki. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground lamb, small onion, finely grated, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 small finely grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped mint, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the meatballs.
- Step 3: Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through, turning halfway for even color.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Stir until well combined and chilled.
- Step 5: Serve the lamb meatballs warm with a side of the tzatziki sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Herb-Infused Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Mediterranean Herb-Infused 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 Mediterranean Herb-Infused 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 Mediterranean Herb-Infused 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 Mediterranean Herb-Infused 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.
