Oven-Baked Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess Sauce
Flavorful oven-baked lamb meatballs paired with a rich avocado goddess sauce, perfect for a nutritious Mediterranean meal. This greek-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes blends pound ground lamb, small yellow onion, finely diced, garlic cloves, minced 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 410 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/4 cup small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground lamb, 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 18 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3: Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Step 4: While meatballs bake, prepare the avocado goddess sauce by blending 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Serve warm lamb meatballs drizzled with the avocado goddess sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess 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 Oven-Baked Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess 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 Oven-Baked Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess 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 Oven-Baked Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess Sauce?
Greek 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.
