Baked Greek Meatballs

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Baked Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

These juicy, flavorful baked Greek meatballs are packed with Mediterranean spices and served with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce for a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb (or a mix of both)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil for extra flavor and crispiness.

2. Bake the Meatballs:

  1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

  1. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
  3. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve, to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve:

  1. Serve the baked Greek meatballs with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
  2. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the meatballs with warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or over rice.
  • You can also serve them as appetizers or in a pita wrap with fresh veggies.

Enjoy these flavorful Baked Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce!

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