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Easy Lamb Meatballs

These quick and easy Lamb Meatballs are a yummy appetizer that combines tasty ground lamb and pork and served with a cool tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a party or weeknight meal!

tasty meatballs in a white bowl

Lamb Meatball Recipe

Lamb meatballs with tzatziki sauce are a delicious way to get some Mediterranean flavors into your appetizers or weekly meal plan.

This recipe combines tasty ground lamb and pork in a bite-sized meatball that tastes great on it’s own or with a cool and refreshing sauce. 

These tender meatballs are a great recipe for meal prep for those busy weeks or when you want to prep ahead for any upcoming parties.

I like to keep a batch in the freezer just for those appetizer emergencies when I have friends pop over unexpected. Aren’t those the best kind?

Try these and my other Greek dishes like the fun Walking Gyros, Lamb Sliders, Greek bread dipping oil, Greek feta dip, and Shawarma hummus.

plate of meatballs with tzatziki sauce

Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb and pork?

Substitute the lamb and pork with other ground meats like beef, chicken, or turkey. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture of the meatballs.

What do you serve with lamb meatballs?

I like to serve these with a cool tzatziki sauce. They are also delicious with a rich tomato sauce, bbq sauce, or even a spicy harissa sauce.

Make them a meal by serving over cooked rice and a greek salad. Or as an appetizer with these No-Fail Grilled Lamb Chops.

pita wedge dipping in sauce

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

  • 1/2 large cucumber (peeled, grated)
  • 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 large garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and chill until ready to enjoy!

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simple ingredients for a meat mixture

Ingredients Needed

Ground Meat – This recipe uses a combination of ground pork and ground lamb.

Bread crumbs – I like to use Panko breadcrumbs for better texture

Spices – I use a homemade Greek seasoning or use your favorite.

Kitchen staples – Olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh parsley for garnish.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

How to Make Lamb Meatballs

First: Preheat oven to 425F or grab a large skillet and heat some oil.

Second: Mix the ground pork, lamb, Panko, Greek seasoning, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently just until combined.

Third: Scoop meatball mixture into 1-2 inch size balls and roll gently.

Fourth: To pan fry, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, pan fry on all sides for roughly 5-7 minutes or until cooked through and the outside is golden brown.

Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Continue until all the meatballs are cooked. Serve warm.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

you will love these if you are a fan of lamb!

Can I bake them?

To bake the lamb meatballs, place on a large baking sheet, in a single layer, with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160F. Remove and let cool slightly.

Can I air fry them?

Absolutely! Air frying gives them a slightly crispy exterior. Air fry the meatballs at 380F for 12-15 minutes.

Check the internal temperature and make sure it reaches 160F before enjoying.

How long do they last?

If you happen to have any leftover lamb meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven or in the microwave at 30 second intervals until warmed through.

close up of lamb meatballs in a white bowl

Can you freeze them?

These Greek meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags.

Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the meatballs in up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake them.

Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

collage of party meatballs

​The only limit is your imagination when it comes to cocktail meatballs. Want more recipes? Check out this list!

  1. Grape Jelly Meatballs
  2. Teriyaki Meatballs
  3. Sweet & Sour Meatballs
  4. BBQ Steakhouse
  5. Hawaiian Meatballs

To see the rest of the list of 40+ Best Meatball Appetizers check out this post.Looking to make these a full meal? Check out What to Serve with Meatballs for delicious side dish ideas.

close up of meatball

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Substitute the ground pork for more ground lamb or ground beef.
  • Don’t have Greek seasoning? Mix together some garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. 
  • Add in some fresh herbs like fresh mint for more flavor!
  • For some spice, add in some red pepper flakes or some diced red onion.
  • Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to form meatballs and keep them all the same size (size of golf ball).
  • Serve with rice or in pita pockets for a portable sandwich.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

lamb meatballs and a red banner with text

This Greek lamb meatballs recipe served with tzatziki yogurt sauce is a delicious and easy dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a finger food for parties!

lamb meatballs on a plate with tzatziki sauce and green onions

Lamb Meatballs

Yield: 20 meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

These lamb meatballs are packed with flavor and can be served by themselves, on pasta or rice, or on a toasted roll to make a slider!

Ingredients

For the Lamb Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Greek Seasoning
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1/2 large cucumber (peeled, grated)
  • 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 large garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Make the lamb meatballs

  1. Mix the pork, lamb, bread crumbs, salt, and Greek seasoning just to combine.
  2. Scoop meat into meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Roll slightly without over-working.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. Brown the meatballs on all sides and cook roughly 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160F.
  6. Remove from pan saving the fat in the pan.

Make the tzatziki sauce

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl.
  2. Chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Serve with lamb meatballs.

Notes

  • Substitute the ground pork for more ground lamb or ground beef.
  • Don't have Greek seasoning? Mix together some garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. 
  • Add in some fresh herbs like fresh mint for more flavor!
  • For some spice, add in some red pepper flakes or some diced red onion.
  • Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to form meatballs and keep them all the same size (size of golf ball).
  • Serve with rice or in pita pockets for a portable sandwich.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 2 meatballs
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 369Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 878mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 28g

This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

These meatballs were inspired by April Bloomfield’s meatball recipe from “A Girl and Her Pig,” Canongate.

{Originally published 10/19/2014 – photos and recipe updated 06/16/2023 to improve reader experience}

TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Mini Greek Lamb Burgers with Yogurt Sauce | Tara Teaspoon

Tuesday 21st of July 2020

[…] Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs in Spicy Sauce […]

Monika M.

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

These were a new family favorite served over zucchini noodles. Thanks for the great recipe - and the Greek seasoning one too!

Jennifer

Saturday 11th of January 2020

So glad you liked it!

Julie @ Texan New Yorker

Friday 26th of February 2016

OMG, these look fantastic!! I adore cooking with ground lamb, and they do make perfect meatballs. I love the Mediterranean spin here, such great, clean flavors!

Alisa @ Go Dairy Free

Thursday 25th of February 2016

Those meatballs look positively inspired! So much warmth and flavor - pinned these to trial later!

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Thursday 3rd of March 2016

Thank you Alisa! I was surprised by cinnamon!

Nutmeg Nanny

Thursday 25th of February 2016

These meatballs look fabulous! They are the perfect appetizer or dinner :)

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Thursday 3rd of March 2016

I could even eat them for breakfast!

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