Why Make This Recipe
Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and fresh ingredients. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, parties, or gatherings. The combination of juicy meatballs and refreshing tzatziki sauce makes every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce some Mediterranean flavors into your cooking routine!
How to Make Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup diced seedless cucumber
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (for tzatziki)
- 1/2 cup fresh dill (for tzatziki)
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt (to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, fresh herbs, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix everything by hand until well combined.
- Scoop the meat mixture to form meatballs and roll them in your hands. Place the meatballs on a greased sheet pan.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For the tzatziki sauce, pulse the cucumber, garlic, and dill in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix this with the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve the meatballs with the refreshing tzatziki sauce.
How to Serve Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Serve your delicious Greek meatballs alongside a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. You can also pair them with pita bread, salad, or rice for a complete meal. They make a great appetizer or main dish that everyone will love!
How to Store Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tzatziki sauce can also be kept in the fridge for about a week. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
- Make sure to mix the meat well, but don’t overwork it; otherwise, the meatballs may become tough.
- If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding some finely chopped bell peppers or breadcrumbs to the meatball mixture.
- Adjust the spices and herbs according to your taste preference – adding more red pepper flakes for heat or extra herbs for flavor.
Variation
You can customize the tzatziki sauce by adding a bit of mint for a different flavor profile or even some chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist. For meatball variations, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.
FAQs
1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs the day before and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when ready to serve.
2. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option and makes it easy to cook a large batch at once.
3. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A meat thermometer is the best tool to check this.
Enjoy the delightful combination of Greek meatballs and tzatziki sauce with your family and friends!
Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
For the tzatziki sauce
- 1/2 cup diced seedless cucumber
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- Juice of one lemon lemon
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, fresh herbs, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix everything by hand until well combined.
- Scoop the meat mixture to form meatballs and roll them in your hands. Place the meatballs on a greased sheet pan.
Cooking
- Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Making Tzatziki Sauce
- For the tzatziki sauce, pulse the cucumber, garlic, and dill in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Mix this with the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.
Serving
- Serve the meatballs with the refreshing tzatziki sauce.