These Oven Baked Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki is created by making a homemade tzatziki sauce and deliciously baked lamb meatballs.
Your kids will love these lamb meatballs with homemade tzatziki. You can serve them with rice or orzo, or make them smaller for hors d’oeuvres. You will need ground lamb for this recipe. They also freeze well so you can enjoy later. I made these meatballs by baking them, although you can totally made them on your cast iron and some olive oil. They are ready in just 20 minutes, and are so wonderful. I love homemade beef meatballs, but lately I have been craving the bold flavors that lamb has. Feel free to double the recipe because these meatballs are great the next day.
If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Spaghetti and Meatballs or my Greek meatballs with Feta.
Jump to:
What are Lamb Meatballs?
Lamb meatballs are a popular dish made from ground lamb meat, often mixed with a variety of spices, herbs, and other ingredients. They are typically formed into small, round balls and then baked, fried, or grilled until cooked through.
Lamb meatballs can be served as an appetizer or as part of a main course. They are often served with a variety of sauces, such as tzatziki, tomato sauce, or garlic sauce, and can be accompanied by a side of rice, potatoes, or salad.
Lamb meatballs are a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, and are enjoyed by many people around the world for their rich and flavorful taste.
Why are Lamb Meatballs so great?
- Flavorful: Lamb meat has a unique and rich flavor that pairs well with a variety of spices and herbs. The addition of tzatziki, a tangy and refreshing yogurt-based sauce, adds a delicious contrast to the savory meatballs.
- Easy to make: Baked lamb meatballs with tzatziki are relatively easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. They are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Healthy: Lamb meat is a good source of protein and is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Tzatziki is a healthy sauce option as well, made with yogurt, cucumber, and herbs.
- Versatile: Baked lamb meatballs with tzatziki can be served in many different ways. They are delicious on their own as an appetizer, or as part of a main course with a side of rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Impressive: Lamb meatballs with tzatziki make an impressive and elegant dish that is perfect for entertaining guests. They are a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs and are sure to impress your guests.
Baked Lamb Meatball Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Ground lamb
- Panko crumbs
- Balsamic vinegar
- Egg
- Garlic
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Cucumber
- Greek Yogurt
- Lemon Juice
- Dill
See recipe card for Oven Baked Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki quantities.
How to make Baked Lamb Meatballs
Make the Tzatziki: In a food processor, start by pulsing the cucumber but do not overpulse. Put the cucumber on top of a clean towel and squeeze all that water out. Put to the side.
In the same food processor, place the garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Pulse until well blended.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the yogurt and pour in the garlic mixture. Place the cucumber into the bowl. Add salt and pepper and stir. This is your tzatziki!
Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the lamb, bread crumbs, vinegar, parsley, egg, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and oil. Combine but do not overmix.
Place the meatballs on a prepare baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Serve the meatballs: Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and serve with the tzatziki sauce alongside.
Substitutions
Lamb: I love using ground lamb that is 85% lean and 15% fat.
Egg: The egg works well to use as the glue for the recipe and helps the panko crumbs stick to the lamb. For best quality, use organic, cage-free eggs for this recipe.
Bread crumbs: I used panko bread crumbs for this recipe and they will always be my favorite when it comes to crusted chicken. You can use Italian breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is a great addition to give the meatballs some moisture. You could use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as well.
Parsley: You can use parsley, cilantro, basil, or any herb of your choosing. This gives the meatballs a nice kick.
Baked Lamb Meatballs Recipe Variations
There are many variations to baked lamb meatballs recipe, here are some ideas:
- Spicy: Add some heat to the lamb meatballs by adding spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
- Herbed: Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, and cilantro to add an extra layer of flavor to the meatballs.
- Cheese-stuffed: Make the lamb meatballs even more indulgent by stuffing them with feta cheese or another soft cheese.
- Curry-flavored: Add some curry powder or curry paste to the lamb meatball mixture for a spicy and aromatic twist.
- Middle Eastern-style: Add ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the meatball mixture and serve them with a side of hummus or baba ghanoush.
- Greek-style: Add oregano, lemon zest, and garlic to the meatball mixture, and serve them with tzatziki sauce and a side of Greek salad.
- Italian-style: Add Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs to the meatball mixture, and serve them with a side of marinara sauce and spaghetti.
Check out my Mushroom Bolognese Recipe.
Equipment
Here is the equipment you will need to make baked lamb meatballs:
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is needed to combine all the ingredients for the lamb meatballs.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is needed to bake the meatballs in the oven. A non-stick baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will make clean-up easier.
- Food processor (optional): A food processor can be used to finely chop the onion, garlic, and herbs if you prefer a smoother texture for your meatballs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring out the ingredients.
- Oven: You will need an oven to bake the lamb meatballs.
How to store Baked Lamb Meatballs
To store baked lamb meatballs, allow them to cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store the meatballs for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 1-2 hours until they are firm. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. The meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes or until they are hot.
Top tip
Do not overmix the lamb mixture.
Baked Lamb Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
These Oven Baked Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki is created by making a homemade tzatziki sauce and deliciously baked lamb meatballs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 large egg
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tzatziki
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dill
Instructions
- Make the Tzatziki: In a food processor, start by pulsing the cucumber but do not overpulse. Put the cucumber on top of a clean towel and squeeze all that water out. Put to the side.
- In the same food processor, place the garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Pulse until well blended.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the yogurt and pour in the garlic mixture. Place the cucumber into the bowl. Add salt and pepper and stir. This is your tzatziki!
- Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the lamb, bread crumbs, vinegar, parsley, egg, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and oil. Combine but do not overmix.
- Place the meatballs on a prepare baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs: Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and serve with the tzatziki sauce alongside.
Notes
Do not overmix the lamb mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Leave a Reply