We all know the typical Italian meatball, but have you given Greek meatballs a try? These juicy babies are made with (preferably) lamb, red onion, parsley, oregano, paprika, and dijon mustard! That’s it!
Greek Meatballs: A Delicious Alternative
We all know and love the Italian meatball. If your upbringing was anything like mine, Italian meatballs were a usual in your home growing up. Whether served solo or atop buttery pasta, it’s an easy go-to for kids. But did you know that there are SO MANY meatball options out there? This was a fact I was totally unaware of until I started cooking myself.
There’s Swedish meatballs, Mongolian meatballs, Thai meatballs, meatball, meatball, meatballs! lol
You get the idea. The point is there are tons of ways to make meatballs, but one of my most favorite meatballs is the Greek meatball. Rather than the usual beef or turkey, these meatballs are made with lamb. Lamb provides a unique flavor (that is an acquired taste for some) which is commonly found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. This unique flavor gives meatball-eating a whole new experience and flair.
What Should I Eat Greek Meatballs With?
Greek meatballs can be eaten either as an appetizer or as the main dish. What you choose to pair them with creates an entirely unique experience.
As an appetizer:
- Serve alongside my Tzatziki sauce recipe (quick and easy to make)
- Serve with garlic feta cheese dip
As an entree:
- Serve atop a Greek salad dressed with olive oil, crumbled garlic feta cheese, and a spritz of fresh lemon juice
- Serve inside a toasted pita bread, topped with Tzatziki sauce.
- Serve alongside roasted sweet potato and brussels sprouts
- Serve a top angle hair pasta, with a drizzle of olive oil, crumbles of feta cheese, and a spritz of lemon
How Do You Eat your Greek Meatballs?
Is there a way you eat your Greek meatballs that I didn’t mention above? Or did you tweak this recipe in some way that you loved? Let us know in the comment section below. We love hearing from you, and it helps everyone else who comes through here, too 🙂
Juicy Greek Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground lamb (you can substitute with beef)
- 1/2 red onion, chopped (or 2 shallots)
- 1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped (or 2tbsp dried)
- 1/4 cup oregano leaves, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 3 tsp paprika, ground
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper chili flakes (optional – I do not include this when making this recipe for my kids)
Topping Options
- Tzatziki sauce, recipe linked in notes
- fresh lemon juice
- garlic feta cheese, crumbled
- olive oil
Instructions
- PREP: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- MAKE MEATBALLS: Combine all ingredients into a bowl, mixing together with your hands. Coat your hands with olive oil and roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 3 tablespoons in size). Place meatballs on your lined baking sheet until you've used up all of your meat mixture.1 1/2 lbs ground lamb, 1/2 red onion,, 1/2 cup parsley leaves,, 1/4 cup oregano leaves,, 3 tsp paprika,, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper,, 1 tsp red pepper chili flakes
- COOK MEATBALLS: Bake the meatballs for about 18 to 20 minutes. They should be crispy on the outside and cooked fully through.Serve warm as an appetizer with my Tzatziki sauce (recipe linked in notes below), or as a main course atop a Greek salad dressed with olive oil, crumbled garlic feta cheese, and a spritz of fresh lemon juice!