Greek Meatballs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
370 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Greek
Greek Meatballs
Description
The meatball mixture blends torn white bread soaked in milk with ground beef, beaten egg, finely chopped red onion, garlic, and a combination of cumin, oregano, and salt for authentic flavor depth. Crumbled feta cheese is placed in the center of flattened meatballs before shaping into rounds, providing a creamy filling that contrasts the meat’s texture. Baking on a wire rack allows fat to drip away and promotes even browning.
The tzatziki sauce is prepared by wringing moisture from grated peeled cucumbers, then mixing them with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, chopped mint, and salt. This sauce offers a refreshing counterpoint to the well-seasoned, rich meatballs.
Make-ahead preparation is encouraged by doubling the recipe to allow leftovers for lunches or picnics. The dish showcases the balance of herbs, tangy cheese, and garlic characteristic of Greek cooking and is suitable as a main course served with bread or salad.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- cooking spray
- 1 lice white bread torn into 1-inch pieces (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg beaten
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
For the tzatziki:
- 2 cucumbers peeled and grated, small, Persian
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mint chopped, fresh
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a wire rack with nonstick cooking spray and set over a rimmed baking sheet.
- Combine the bread and milk in a large bowl and let sit until the milk is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add the beaten egg, red onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and a quarter of the ground beef, and mix together until completely combined. Add the rest of the ground beef and mix just until blended.
- Divide the meatball mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a circle and place a chunk of feta in the center. Fold the edges of the meat up and around the feta, and roll to form into a round ball.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared wire rack set and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
For the tzatziki sauce:
- Meanwhile, make the tzatziki. Place the grated cucumber in a kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. Place the cucumber in a medium bowl. Add the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, and salt and stir to combine.
- Serve the baked meatballs with the tzatziki sauce, sprinkled with additional finely chopped mint.
Notes
- Prepare a double batch to have leftovers suitable for work or school lunches.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 370 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 370kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 136mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 1087mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 587mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 264IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 226mg | 23% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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