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    Home » Appetizers

    Updated: Jun 20, 2022 · Published: Apr 21, 2021 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Greek Meatballs

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    meatballs on pita with fresh veggies
    meatballs on a plate with dipping sauce
    meatballs on a plate with toothpicks.

    These juicy Greek Meatballs will be a hit at your next party and can be on the table in 30 minutes! Ground beef and lamb with Mediterranean spices pair perfectly with a cooling cucumber yogurt dipping sauce. These meatballs will disappear in a hurry!

    meatballs on a plate with dipping sauce.

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    I can't think of an appetizer more perfect than meatballs! Who's with me? It's always a crowd-pleaser, and there are endless flavor combinations.

    When developing this lamb meatball recipe, I was looking for something different. I really wanted to wow my friends with a flavor-packed bite-size treat and these Greek Meatballs delivered!

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQS
    • How to turn your appetizer into a meal
    • Expert Tips for the best meatballs
    • More Easy Recipes
    • Recipe

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Tender, juicy lamb meatballs are the perfect combo for a classic tzatziki sauce. They are a great hot appetizer alongside a veggie tray with hummus and pita.
    • This recipe is easy to prepare comes together in about 30 minutes.
    • Not having company? This Greek meatball recipe is a great topping to salads, bowls, or even served with rice for a complete meal.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for greek meatballs.

    A few ingredient notes:

    • A combination of ground beef and lamb is what makes these meatballs unique. It's a classic combination found in many Greek gyros recipes.
    • The flavor comes from the Greek spices, including oregano, garlic and red pepper flakes for just a hint of heat.
    • Milk and eggs are essential to help the bread crumbs bind the meat together and help create a moist and tender meatball.

    Instructions

    Steps 1 and 2 of making greek meatballs.
    • In a large bowl, combine beef and lamb with salt, pepper, and remaining ingredients and gently mix to combine.
    • Do not overmix, or your meatballs may come out tough.
    Steps 3 and 4 making greek meatballs.
    • Using a small scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 30 balls and space them evenly on your baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

    FAQS

    Do I have to use ground lamb in this recipe?


    Ground lamb definitely gives it that classic Greek gyro flavor, but if it's hard to find or you don't like the flavor of lamb, you can make this recipe with just ground beef. But try it, I think you will love it.

    How should I store leftovers?


    Store meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to one month.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?


    We love double batching these Greek meatballs and keeping them in the freezer for later use! Allow your meatballs to partially freeze on a baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Don't forget to label your bag with the date!

    meatballs with pita on a plate with dipping sauce.

    How to turn your appetizer into a meal

    Any appetizer that I can turn into a meal is a WIN for me! These little meatballs are the perfect app that can be a legitimate meal.

    Simply have all of your traditional gyro toppings on hand and let people build their own meatball gyro sandwich.

    • pitas
    • hummus
    • chopped tomato
    • cucumber
    • sliced red onion
    • tzatziki sauce
    • feta cheese

    Expert Tips for the best meatballs

    • Use a mini cookie scooper to make meatballs that are the same size easily. Having them similar in size helps them cook evenly and look gorgeous on the serving tray.
    • Make sure you don't overwork the meat mixture. You will get the best results if you get dirty and use your hands with a light touch. No spoon required.
    • Want to make a meal out of it? Simply serve the meatballs with pita, hummus, tzatziki, cucumber, tomato and some feta cheese. Taco night just got a new look.
    • Looking for something a little more traditional? Grandma's Famous Italian Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food and perfect for Sunday dinners.

    More Easy Recipes

    • Meatballs in sauce in slow cooker.
      Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
    • Meatball subs on a dark sheet pan with a small bowl of grated parmesan cheese.
      Meatball Subs
    • How to Make a Better Veggie Tray
    • bacon wrapped bites on a plate with toothpick.
      Easy Bacon Bites

    Check out all of our easy appetizer recipes!

    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    

    Recipe

    Greek Meatballs

    Garnish With Lemon
    Looking for a protein-filled appetizer that everyone will devour? These Greek Meatballs are a great addition to any party spread.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 18 minutes mins
    Total Time 33 minutes mins
    Course Appetizers
    Cuisine American
    Servings 30 meatballs
    Calories 82 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Cookie Scoop
    • Half Sheet Pan
    • Cooling Rack

    Ingredients
      

    For the meatballs:

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¾ pound ground lamb
    • ¾ pound ground beef
    • 1 cup bread crumbs
    • 2 tablespoons milk plus additional if necessary
    • Freshly ground pepper to taste
    • Salt to taste
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
    • 1 large egg

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    Instructions
     

    Meatballs:

    • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet for roasting the meatballs.
    • Pour the olive oil into a medium bowl, then add the meat and season with salt and pepper. Add the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of milk and mix to combine. (Add additional milk, tablespoon by tablespoon, if needed to moisten meat mixture.) Add the red pepper flakes, oregano, minced garlic, egg and mix to combine.
    • Using a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into about 30 balls and place on prepared pan. Roast until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.

    Notes

    Use your hands to combine the mixture and be sure to not over mix them otherwise you will have tough meatballs.
    If you don't like lamb, feel free to make these with all ground beef or add ground pork. The flavor will be different but will still taste great.
    Use a small cookie scoop to portion the meat mixture to get evenly sized meatballs.
    Baking the meatballs on a rack helps drain the grease and gets your meatballs golden brown.
    Line your pan with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up!

    VIDEO

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 82kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 44mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!

    « Watermelon Margaritas
    Caprese Pasta Salad »

    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judy says

      January 30, 2019 at 5:34 pm

      Need to know is sauce hot or cold. Picture it looks like it’s more yellow, like it’s been mixed with the meat dripping

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        January 31, 2019 at 8:24 am

        Hi Judy, When I serve these Greek Meatballs, I serve the sauce cold or room temperature. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    2. Willow @ Will Cook For Friends says

      December 08, 2013 at 7:35 pm

      Those meatballs sound incredible! Tzatziki sauce is one of my favorite things ever, but for some reason I have never actually made it from scratch... it sounds so easy! And I love the little individual portions. Sadly, I don't think it would stop me from eating, like, ten of them... but I love it anyway! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

      December 06, 2013 at 7:51 am

      I saw this on G+ and had to come over for a look. What a great idea. Pinning this one, I've never made Tzatzike sauce, but that's going to change soon. Thanks for this post.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        December 06, 2013 at 8:41 am

        Thanks Lea Ann! It's really easy to make and Oh, so good! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
        • Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

          December 06, 2013 at 5:06 pm

          Hi, I'm back. I was just looking at the recipe because I want to take these to a party tomorrow. In the ingredients, you have 2 Tablespoons (plus additional if necessary). I went down to the instructions to find it was milk. You may want to change add the word milk in the ingredients.

    5 from 13 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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