Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs are juicy, herby, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Paired with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce, they’re perfect as a main dish, party appetizer, or tucked into a pita for a satisfying gyro-style meal.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the tzatziki: In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, red onion, oregano, cumin, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until just combined—do not overwork.
Shape and cook: Roll mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes.
Serve: Serve warm with a side of tzatziki. Optional: serve over rice, in a pita, or alongside a Greek salad.
Notes
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer not to pan-fry.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor—parsley, dill, and mint all complement the dish beautifully.
- Squeeze excess liquid from cucumber for a thick and creamy tzatziki.
- These meatballs freeze well—just reheat and serve with fresh sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Greek