Greek Lemon Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce offer a bright, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Tender meatballs baked to perfection are bathed in a tangy, zesty lemon sauce that brings refreshing balance to every bite. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 1/4 cup water (if using cornstarch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are fully combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs on it.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through, turning them halfway for even cooking.
4. Step 4: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the lemon sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and broth to the pan, stirring to combine.
5. Step 5: Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the water in a separate bowl to create a slurry, then gradually whisk this into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the lemon sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
7. Step 7: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
8. Step 8: Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce for a subtle heat.
• Serve over rice or orzo to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• If you prefer pan-frying, cook the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use only beef or only lamb for these meatballs?

Yes, either beef or lamb works well. Beef gives a milder flavor, while lamb adds a richer, traditional Greek taste.

How do I make sure my meatballs stay tender and moist?

Using breadcrumbs and egg in the mixture helps keep the meatballs tender. Avoid overmixing the meat, and baking at a moderate temperature ensures they cook evenly without drying out.

Greek Lemon Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 68 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce offer a flavorful Mediterranean twist on a classic dish, combining ground beef or lamb with bright lemon-infused sauce for a delicious and savory meal. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection and served with a tangy, fragrant lemon sauce, they make a great option for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg

Lemon Sauce

• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 1/4 cup water (if using cornstarch)

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Instructions

1. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for approximately 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
4. Prepare Lemon Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and broth, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is preferred, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for several minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once baked, transfer the meatballs carefully to the saucepan with the lemon sauce. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly.
7. Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the lemon sauce for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors together.
8. Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

• Ground lamb adds a more traditional Greek flavor, but beef works well too.
• Breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste according to your preference.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• The cornstarch is optional; omit for a thinner sauce.
• Serve with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the lemon sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Greek meatballs, lemon sauce, baked meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner, ground beef, ground lamb