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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the lemon sauce for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors together.
- 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
