Mediterranean-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Drizzle

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

Juicy lamb meatballs seasoned with warm Mediterranean spices, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, ground cumin, ground coriander 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for 3 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the meatballs for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and juicy.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Serve the warm meatballs drizzled with the tzatziki sauce, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Drizzle 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 Mediterranean-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Drizzle?

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-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Drizzle?

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-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Drizzle 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-Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Drizzle?

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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