Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

If you’re looking to add a little Mediterranean magic to your dinner table, these Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are bound to become a new favorite. Juicy, flavorful meatballs paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce make for a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshingly light. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavors: The meatballs offer a burst of fresh herbs, spices, and feta cheese, balanced beautifully by the tangy yogurt-based tzatziki.
• Quick and Simple: From start to finish, you’ll have these on the table in about 30 minutes.
• Great for Meal Prep: Both the meatballs and tzatziki sauce store well, making this a perfect make-ahead meal.
• Versatile: Serve these as a main dish, in pita wraps, on salads, or as party appetizers.

Ingredients

Greek Meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons grated onion
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Zest of a lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup shredded cucumber, liquid squeezed out
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste (I used 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Grater or microplane
• Medium-sized bowl
• Spoon for mixing
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then spray with cooking oil.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the panko, parsley, grated onion, garlic, lemon zest and juice, egg, spices, salt, pepper, and feta.
3. Form the Meatballs:
   • Add the ground beef to the mixture and combine with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form tablespoon-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake:
   • Spray or brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 10-12 minutes on the center rack, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
   • While the meatballs are baking, combine all tzatziki ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir until well combined.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve immediately with tzatziki sauce.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: The meatballs freeze beautifully — place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in the oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Variations and Swaps

• Protein Options: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, turkey, or chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki.
• Herbs: Try adding mint or basil to the meatball mixture for a different flavor twist.

Pairing Suggestions

These meatballs pair beautifully with:

• Warm pita bread or naan
• Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta
• Roasted vegetables or lemon-herb rice
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy beer

FAQ

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the meatballs and keep them refrigerated (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have fresh dill for the tzatziki? No problem — you can substitute dried dill (use about 1 teaspoon) or leave it out entirely.

Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking? Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe? For a plant-based version, replace the beef with mashed chickpeas or lentils, use a flax egg, and skip the feta.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share your creations on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes like this one.