Traditional Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

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

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Juicy lamb meatballs infused with herbs and spices, served with cool cucumber yogurt tzatziki for a flavorful Greek appetizer or main. This Greek-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs ground lamb, breadcrumbs, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 large egg, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve the warm lamb meatballs alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Traditional Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce?

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 Traditional Greek 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 Traditional Greek 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 Traditional Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki 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.

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