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Easy Lamb Meatballs

Not the traditional meatball recipe you are used to, these Lamb Meatballs are a quick and easy appetizer that my friends can’t get enough of. Not only are they party ready, but pair them with some rice or egg noodles and you have a delicious weeknight meal!

flavorful lamb meatballs

Lamb Meatball Recipe

Are you on the Mediterranean diet? I’m not but I do love Greek food! Can you tell since I have a bunch of Greek recipes on the blog like my lamb sliders, greek dipping oil for pita bread, and a Greek feta dip. I love feta a little too much…

I’m usually a sucker for some chicken skewers and my husband loves his walking gyros

What’s not to love? Tender lamb or beef topped with creamy tzatziki sauce (recipe below). I can eat it every day of the week.

Thank goodness this recipe is perfect for meal prep during those busy weeks or when you want to plan ahead for any upcoming parties or dinners.

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?

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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.

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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.

the whole family will love this recipe

How long do they last?

If you happen to have any leftover 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.

Can you freeze them?

These ​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.

You will love these if you are a fan of lamb! Sprinkle with feta cheese for some tangy flavors

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.

these easy lamb meatballs make a great dinner for the kids before you have your party

What do you serve with lamb meatballs?

This all depends on what you are cooking them for? If you’re having a party, I like a cool and creamy dip, some hummus, and a whipped feta dip

If you are making these into a meal, make some simple rice to serve them over and add a Greek salad.

sprinkle with some lemon zest for a bright flavor

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 virginolive 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!

easy cocktail meatball recipes

Meatball Appetizers

Cocktail meatballs are some of my favorite party appetizers to make so I have plenty of recipes that you will enjoy! My grape jelly meatballs use just 3 ingredients, my sweet and sour meatballs are a classic party food, and these BBQ meatballs are a crowd pleaser.

Some fun new flavors I have are my spicy firecracker meatballs, my sweet and tangy Hawaiian meatballs, and these Teriyaki meatballs.

Make a batch of my homemade frozen meatballs for the crockpot so you are ready. I know you will find a recipe that is new to you but soon to be your favorite!

To see even more meatball recipes 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!

greek lamb meatballs

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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