Meatballs with Herbed Tzatziki

Meatballs with Herbed Tzatziki is a fresh flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines savory juicy meatballs with a cool tangy herbed yogurt sauce. It’s perfect as a light dinner appetizer or part of a mezze spread. The contrast of warm spiced meat and refreshing tzatziki makes it a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef or lamb

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 cloves garlic minced

2 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil for cooking

For the Herbed Tzatziki:

1 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 cucumber grated and drained

1 clove garlic minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp chopped dill

1 tbsp chopped mint or parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

In a large bowl combine ground meat breadcrumbs egg garlic parsley oregano cumin salt and pepper.

Mix until just combined and form into small meatballs about 1 inch in size.

Cook the Meatballs:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add meatballs in batches and cook for 8–10 minutes turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

Prepare the Herbed Tzatziki:

In a bowl mix together Greek yogurt cucumber garlic lemon juice dill and mint or parsley.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Serve:

Serve meatballs warm with a generous spoonful of herbed tzatziki on the side or drizzled on top.

Great with pita bread rice or salad.

Tips

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.

Chill the Tzatziki: Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Drain the Cucumber Well: Use a clean towel or paper towels to squeeze out excess moisture so the tzatziki stays thick and creamy.

Make Ahead: Both the meatballs and tzatziki can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Oven Option: You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes for an easy hands-off method.

Variations

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version use ground poultry but add a little olive oil to keep them moist.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the meatball mix for a little heat.

Add Feta: Mix crumbled feta into the meatball mixture for extra flavor and richness.

Herb Swap: Try basil cilantro or tarragon in the tzatziki for a different herbal note.

Serving Style: Serve in lettuce wraps on pita sandwiches or over rice bowls for different meal styles.

Questions and Answers

1. Can I make these meatballs in advance?
– Yes cook them ahead and reheat gently in a pan or oven. Store tzatziki separately in the fridge.

2. What’s the best yogurt for tzatziki?
– Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the best texture and flavor but you can use low-fat or dairy-free versions if needed.

3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
– Yes freeze them cooked on a tray then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or pan when ready to serve.

4. How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?
– Don’t overcook and make sure there’s enough fat in the meat. Lamb or 80/20 beef works well.

5. What else can I serve with this dish?
– Try roasted potatoes grilled veggies couscous tabbouleh or a crisp Greek salad.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate for 4 servings):

Calories: 390

Protein: 28g

Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 9g

Sugar: 3g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 460mg

Note Nutrition may vary slightly depending on meat choice and yogurt used.

Conclusion

Meatballs with Herbed Tzatziki is a fresh easy and satisfying dish that’s packed with Mediterranean flavor. It’s versatile enough to work for lunch dinner or entertaining and the balance of warm savory meatballs with cool creamy sauce is always a hit. Whether you serve it with pita or a big salad this is a feel-good meal that’s both healthy and delicious.