Name: Greek-Inspired Meatball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb or beef; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor, look no further than this Greek-Inspired Meatball recipe! Tender, juicy, and packed with aromatic herbs, these meatballs make every bite feel like a sun-soaked escape to the Greek Isles. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a quick family dinner, or a savory addition to your mezze spread, these Greek-Inspired Meatballs never fail to impress. They’re everything you crave: easy, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.

Greek-Inspired Meatball Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a plateful of Greek-Inspired Meatballs that taste like they came straight from your favorite taverna. Each ingredient brings its own special magic, from bold herbs to juicy meat, giving these meatballs irresistible flavor and tender texture.

Ground Lamb or Beef: The star of the show! Lamb brings a classic richness, while beef is a fantastic, slightly milder alternative.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs perfectly moist inside.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and a bit of color.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the meatballs that signature Mediterranean depth.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of green and a fresh, herby brightness.
Fresh Mint: A little mint lifts the whole dish, adding an unmistakable Greek touch.
Dried Oregano: This classic herb infuses the meatballs with earthy, aromatic notes.
Ground Cumin: Adds a gentle, warm spice that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Egg: Acts as the ultimate binder, holding everything together.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens the entire mix and gives a subtle tang.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Black Pepper: For that little kick of heat and complexity.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking, it adds a lovely richness and helps achieve a golden crust.

How to Make Greek-Inspired Meatball

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your ground lamb or beef with breadcrumbs, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, cumin, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Try not to overwork the meat—this helps keep your Greek-Inspired Meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once the mixture is ready, scoop out portions and roll them into 1 1/2-inch balls. Aim for about 20 meatballs, keeping them uniform in size so they cook evenly. If the mixture feels sticky, wetting your hands with a bit of water makes rolling a breeze.

Step 3: Sear to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (this helps them brown beautifully instead of steaming). Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until each Greek-Inspired Meatball is deeply golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Drain and Rest

Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels. This quick step lets any excess oil drain away, so your Greek-Inspired Meatballs stay flavorful without feeling greasy. Let them rest for a couple of minutes while you get ready to serve.

How to Serve Greek-Inspired Meatball

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a Greek-Inspired Meatball like the perfect garnish! Sprinkle them with a shower of freshly chopped parsley or mint for a burst of color and freshness. For a true Mediterranean touch, a light dusting of crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top brings everything to life.

Side Dishes

Greek-Inspired Meatballs pair beautifully with creamy tzatziki, warm pita bread, or a vibrant Greek salad full of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion. For something a little different, serve them over herbed rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow a crowd? Skewer each Greek-Inspired Meatball with a toothpick and arrange them on a platter for an easy, elegant appetizer. Or, nestle them into mini pitas with a dollop of tzatziki for a fun spin on sliders. For mezze nights, tuck them among olives, cheeses, and dips for a shareable Mediterranean feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Store your Greek-Inspired Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully and make fantastic snacks or lunchbox additions the next day.

Freezing

These meatballs are a meal-prepper’s dream! Once cooled, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever you need a taste of the Mediterranean.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Greek-Inspired Meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but for the best texture, stovetop or oven is the way to go.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of lamb or beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works wonderfully in this Greek-Inspired Meatball recipe. Just be sure not to overcook, as turkey can dry out a little faster than beef or lamb.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

They can be! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and you’ll have a Greek-Inspired Meatball that’s perfect for gluten-free diets. You won’t lose any flavor or texture.

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs moist?

Mixing just until combined, using fresh breadcrumbs, and not overcooking are the secrets to juicy meatballs. The egg and lemon juice also help lock in that moisture and tenderness.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Definitely. For a lighter version, bake the Greek-Inspired Meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes on a lined baking sheet. You’ll still get great flavor with even less fuss.

What sauces pair best with these meatballs?

Classic tzatziki is always a winner, but you can also serve your Greek-Inspired Meatballs with hummus, whipped feta, or even a simple tomato sauce for a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about making a batch of Greek-Inspired Meatballs—especially when you see how quickly they disappear! Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings a taste of Greece right to your kitchen. Give them a try and let your next meal transport you to the Mediterranean!

Greek-Inspired Meatball Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious Greek-Inspired Meatballs made with ground lamb or beef, flavored with fresh herbs and traditional Mediterranean spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare on the stovetop or baked for a lighter option.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb or beef
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 egg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, cumin, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well but avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, ensuring they are even in size for consistent cooking.
Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying the meatballs.
Cook Meatballs: Add meatballs in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked meatballs onto a paper towel–lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
Serve: Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad for an authentic Mediterranean experience.