Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and Nutritious: Utilizing lean ground turkey reduces fat content while providing high-quality protein. Fresh herbs and spices enhance the flavor without adding unnecessary calories.
  • Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
  • Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs can be served over rice, with a side salad, or in a pita, making them suitable for various meal preferences.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 large red onion, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, grated red onion, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, chopped dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
  2. Form Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 14 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Using a small ice cream scoop can help achieve uniform sizes.
  3. Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 7-8 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Serve: Plate the meatballs and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Serve alongside rice, salad, or in pita bread as desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 14 meatballs, serving about 4 people.
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour to make the meatballs gluten-free.
  • Herb Substitutions: If fresh dill is unavailable, use 1 tablespoon of dried dill. Fresh parsley or mint can also be added for additional flavor.
  • Alternative Proteins: Ground chicken can be used in place of turkey for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the meatballs to become rubbery.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 14-16 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. What can I serve with Greek turkey meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with rice, roasted vegetables, salads, or pita bread. They also complement dishes like Moroccan couscous salad or tomato cucumber salad.

 

3. How can I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?

Using 93% lean ground turkey provides enough fat to keep the meatballs juicy. Avoid overcooking and consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for extra moisture.

4. Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs provide optimal flavor, but dried herbs can be used as substitutes. For instance, use 1 tablespoon of dried dill if fresh is unavailable.

5. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

6. How do I make the tzatziki sauce?

Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (excess moisture removed

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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 14 meatballs (4 servings)
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Enjoy a healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal with these flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs paired with creamy tzatziki sauce. Made with lean ground turkey and fresh herbs, this dish is nutritious, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 large red onion, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • Tzatziki Sauce:
    • 1 cup Greek yogurt
    • 1/2 cucumber, grated (moisture removed)
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
    Combine ground turkey, garlic, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently to avoid overworking.
  2. Shape the Meatballs:
    Divide into 14 portions, rolling each into a ball. Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform size.
  3. Cook the Meatballs:
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 7-8 minutes, turning to brown evenly, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
    Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Serve:
    Serve meatballs with tzatziki sauce, over rice, salad, or in pita bread.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Substitute fresh dill with 1 tbsp dried dill if unavailable.
  • Ground chicken can replace turkey for a different flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying (optional baking instructions included)
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

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