Description
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.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 large egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Tzatziki:
- ½ cucumber, grated
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground lamb, ground beef, panko crumbs, balsamic vinegar, egg, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, chopped parsley, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Place the grated cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Drain the cucumber and pat it dry with a paper towel. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Stir the prepared cucumber into the yogurt mixture until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Serve the meatballs hot with the tzatziki on the side.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
