Beef and Lamb Meatballs

Looking for a savory and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion? These oven-baked Lamb and Beef Meatballs, paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki, are just what you need.

Combining the rich flavors of lamb and beef with a blend of spices, these meatballs are baked to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy sauce that adds a delightful touch. Whether you’re serving them with rice or orzo, or enjoying them as flavorful hors d’oeuvres, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, the meatballs freeze beautifully, making them a convenient option for busy days. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious!

Your kids will love these flavorful lamb meatballs served with homemade tzatziki. They're perfect with rice or orzo, and you can easily make them smaller for hors d’oeuvres. This recipe calls for ground lamb, and the meatballs freeze beautifully for future meals. I baked them, but you can also cook them in a cast iron skillet with a little olive oil for a crispy finish. Ready in just 20 minutes, these meatballs are wonderfully delicious. While I usually enjoy homemade beef meatballs, lately I've been craving the rich, bold flavors of lamb. You might want to double the recipe—they're just as tasty the next day!

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Jump to:

• What are Lamb Meatballs?
• Why are Beef and Lamb Meatballs so great?
• Baked Lamb Meatball Ingredients
• How to make Baked Beef and Lamb Meatballs
• Substitutions
• Baked Lamb Meatballs Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Baked Lamb Meatballs
• Beef and Lamb Meatballs Top tips
• Baked Beef and Lamb Meatballs Recipe
• Food safety

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 Beef and Lamb Meatballs so great?

• Rich Flavor: Combining beef and lamb offers a complex, robust flavor. Lamb adds a rich, slightly gamey taste, while beef provides a hearty, familiar base.
• Juiciness: The fat content in lamb keeps the meatballs moist and tender, preventing them from drying out during cooking. Beef complements this by adding additional juiciness and flavor.
• Versatility: Beef and lamb meatballs can be seasoned in countless ways, making them adaptable to various cuisines and flavor profiles. From Mediterranean to Asian-inspired dishes, the options are endless.
• Texture: The blend of beef and lamb creates a balanced texture that’s both tender and satisfying. The fat in lamb helps keep the meatballs juicy, while the beef provides structure.

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
• Ground beef
• 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 Beef and Lamb Meatballs

Substitutions

Cucumber: Use zucchini as a substitute if cucumber is unavailable. Grate and drain it in the same way.

Greek Yogurt: Replace with regular plain yogurt or strained plain yogurt for a similar consistency. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.

Lemon Juice: Substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use canola oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer a milder oil.

Garlic: Replace with garlic powder (start with ¼ teaspoon) if fresh garlic is unavailable.

Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt as an alternative. Adjust to taste.

Fresh Dill: Substitute with dried dill (use about 1 teaspoon) or fresh mint for a different but complementary flavor.

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.

Beef and Lamb Meatballs Top tips

Choose Quality Meat: Use high-quality ground beef and lamb for the best flavor. Opt for a mix with a bit of fat content to keep the meatballs juicy.

Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients just until they are mixed together. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.

Use a Binder: Add breadcrumbs or panko to help bind the meat and keep the meatballs from falling apart. If you prefer, you can use oats or crushed crackers as alternatives.

Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Properly seasoning the meat mixture ensures the meatballs are flavorful throughout.

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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

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.