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
Scale
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.
