If you have a soft spot for fresh, flavorful dishes that feel both comforting and vibrant, you are going to absolutely love this Simple Homemade Greek Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs bring together the lightness of ground chicken or turkey with the bright herbs like parsley and mint, infused with hints of garlic and traditional Greek spices. Baked to golden perfection and served with a cool tzatziki sauce, they’re a feast that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe brings a taste of Greece right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but essential, each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the lean ground meat providing tenderness to the fresh herbs brightening the dish, every element is thoughtfully chosen.
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: Lean meats serve as the base for the meatballs, keeping them light yet satisfying.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs provide structure and texture, helping the meatballs hold their shape.
- Parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and flavor that lifts the dish.
- Mint, chopped: Provides a refreshing contrast that feels so authentically Greek.
- Onion, finely chopped: Contributes moisture and natural sweetness.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses a robust, savory depth.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best aroma and kick.
- Olive Oil: For frying and drizzling, bringing richness and a lovely golden finish.
- Dried Oregano: The traditional Greek spice adding that classic herbal touch.
- Ground Cumin: Adds subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
How to Make Simple Homemade Greek Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauté Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot. Meanwhile, warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook for around 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft—this step brings out the natural sweetness and builds a flavor base. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute so that it releases its wonderful aroma without burning.
Step 2: Combine the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, place your ground chicken or turkey. Pour in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture while it’s still warm so the flavors blend beautifully. Add in the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped mint, egg, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in dried oregano and ground cumin to give the characteristic Greek taste. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing will make the meatballs dense, so keep it light and tender.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter; this size ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top; this helps develop that beautiful golden crust as they bake. Pop them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are cooked through and have a gorgeous roasted color.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite tender and moist. While they rest, this is the perfect window to prepare a simple, cooling tzatziki sauce—a classic Greek yogurt dip that complements the warmth and spices of the meatballs flawlessly.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Greek Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your meatballs with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for an extra punch of flavor and classic Greek flair. A lemon wedge on the side adds a zesty finish that guests will love.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine alongside fluffy pita bread, a crisp Greek salad filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or a bowl of fragrant lemon rice pilaf. Each side offers contrast in texture and flavor, making your meal feel both complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your meatballs on skewers for a fun appetizer or arrange them over a bed of couscous or orzo for a heartier main dish. You can even build a Mediterranean-inspired bowl layering the meatballs with roasted veggies and drizzles of tzatziki to create a colorful, inviting meal everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure meatballs have cooled completely before sealing to preserve their texture and flavor.
Freezing
To keep these delicious meatballs on hand longer, freeze them on a baking tray first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave on medium power, covered, in short bursts to avoid drying out. Pair with fresh tzatziki again to revive that fresh homemade charm.
FAQs
Can I use beef or lamb instead of chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! While this Simple Homemade Greek Meatballs Recipe is designed with lean poultry for lightness, beef or lamb can lend a richer, more traditional flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, the recipe actually calls for baking to keep things healthier without sacrificing taste. The olive oil drizzle helps achieve that perfect golden crust without frying.
What if I don’t have fresh mint on hand?
You can substitute with dried mint, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh basil or dill can add a fresh note, though it won’t be quite the same traditional Greek flavor.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the ingredients and form the meatballs a day ahead. Keep them covered tightly in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I serve if I want a gluten-free version?
Simply swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives or ground nuts like almonds. This keeps the meatballs’ texture intact while making them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Homemade Greek Meatballs Recipe is a shining example of how straightforward ingredients and easy steps come together to create something spectacular. It’s one of those dishes that feels both fresh and comforting, perfect for sharing at any table. I truly hope you give these meatballs a try—they bring a little bit of Greece’s magic right into your very own kitchen with every bite.
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Simple Homemade Greek Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Enjoy a delicious and healthy take on Greek cuisine with these simple homemade Greek meatballs made from lean ground chicken or turkey. Infused with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, aromatic garlic and onion, and traditional Greek spices, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection and pair wonderfully with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Chicken or Turkey
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain)
- 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Mint, chopped
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken or turkey along with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Add seasonings and binders: Mix in the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped mint, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and ground cumin.
- Mix gently: Combine the mixture carefully to avoid overworking the meat, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch diameter meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Oil the meatballs: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the meatballs to help them brown during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare tzatziki sauce: While the meatballs bake, make a simple tzatziki sauce as a fresh accompaniment.
- Rest the meatballs: Once baked, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the warm meatballs alongside the tzatziki sauce for a tasty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with turkey or even lean beef if preferred.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
- Mint adds a distinct freshness typical of Greek flavors but can be adjusted or omitted.
- Tzatziki sauce preparation is not included but typically made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when baking for food safety.
