These Greek meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to herbs like oregano and mint. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer!
When I make these, I always end up munching on extra meatballs while cooking. Can you blame me? They’re just too good to resist! 😂
To keep it simple, I love to serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce and warm pita. Makes for a delightful, easy meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: Both are traditional in Greek meatballs. I often use ground lamb for its rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use turkey or chicken instead.
Breadcrumbs: These help hold the meatballs together. I like using plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers can work well too.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice umami flavor. You can substitute grated Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Parsley: It brings freshness to the dish. If you’re out, fresh mint or cilantro can also add a nice twist.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. If you want an egg-free option, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce.
Spices: Oregano and cumin are key spices for flavor. You could also use Italian seasoning or coriander if you want to mix things up.
How Do I Shape Meatballs Without Them Falling Apart?
Shaping the meatballs can be tricky, but here’s how to do it effectively:
- Mix all the ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix; this keeps the meatballs tender.
- Wet your hands slightly with water before shaping. This helps prevent sticking.
- Press the mixture firmly into a sphere—this helps keep them intact while cooking.
Also, make sure to let them rest for a few minutes after shaping before cooking. This can help them hold their shape better.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Meatballs?
Browning adds flavor. Here’s a simple way to get a great sear:
- Heat the olive oil in a hot skillet. You want that oil shimmering before adding meatballs.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This ensures an even browning.
- Turn the meatballs gently, allowing each side to cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
If you follow these steps, your meatballs will look delicious and hold their shape during cooking! Don’t forget to scrape up those brown bits! They add great flavor to your sauce.
How to Make Delicious Greek Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tang)
For Garnish:
- Stuffed green peppers (optional)
- Additional parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes making these tasty Greek meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep your meatballs tender!
2. Forming the Meatballs:
Once your mixture is ready, scoop out portions and shape them into golf ball-sized meatballs. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and set them aside for now.
3. Browning the Meatballs:
Take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides. This step adds flavor!
4. Creating the Sauce:
Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the beef or chicken broth and add the lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; these are packed with flavor!
5. Simmering the Meatballs:
Now, return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the broth mixture for another 10-15 minutes. This allows them to cook through completely and absorb all that yummy broth goodness.
6. Serving Your Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cook through, serve them on a cozy bed of mashed potatoes. Drizzle some of the tasty sauce from the pan over the top. If you want to make it pretty, add a sprinkle of additional parsley and some stuffed green peppers on the side as a garnish—if you like!
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful Greek meatballs and enjoy every delicious bite! Perfect for a hearty meal or sharing with family and friends.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef or lamb in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a touch more olive oil or a bit of extra broth during cooking to keep the meatballs moist.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Parsley?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of dried parsley instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so a little goes a long way!
Can I Make These Meatballs in Advance?
Of course! You can prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Alternatively, cook them fully, then let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat them gently in a skillet or the microwave!
How Do I Adjust the Spiciness of the Meatballs?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For more spice, you can add an extra pinch or even a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Adjust it according to your taste!
