An easy delicious dish of lamb meatballs with tzatziki sauce that is the perfect way to get more lamb in your diet.

Easy Lamb Meatball Recipe

This Greek lamb meatball recipe is my version of a deconstructed gyro. All of the required elements are present; they are just not wrapped up in the pita bread.  But let me tell you, it tastes just as good, and can be served like this for a more formal meal. If you prefer to cook and shave your meat in a more traditional gyro fashion, you could try using a rotisserie cooker to roast the lamb.

Lamb as Meat

Lamb is by far the most over-looked red meat on the North American market. Too many people are intimidated by the idea of cooking lamb.  But it is very easy to make and has a very distinctive taste, making it a delicious alternative to beef or chicken.  Growing up in the United Kingdom, a nice roast leg of lamb was our traditional holiday dinner, not turkey.  Lamb is an excellent source of protein and nutrients. Another plus is the relatively low calorie count of lamb, with a 3 ounce serving clocking in at a mere 160 calories with 23 grams of protein. Lamb is an excellent source of iron and healthy omega-3 fats.   As with all meats, opt for organic, grass-fed lamb to ensure you are getting the best quality of lamb meat. As with most things in life, there is a down side to eating lamb – it contains significant amounts of cholesterol.  However, most of a lamb’s fat is on the outside, so it is possible to trim it to a minimum.  But, as with most things, we suggest enjoying this meat in moderation.

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Greek Lamb Meatball Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce

Course

Main Dish

Cuisine

American, Greek

Keyword

greek lamb meatball recipe

Servings

Ingredients

Lamb Meatballs

• 1 tbsp Avocado Oil more as needed
• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 medium yellow onion minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tsp de-stemmed fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes more or less to taste, optional

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1/2 large cucumber, unpeeled and shredded
• 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 large clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp minced fresh dill

Course Main Dish Cuisine American, Greek Keyword greek lamb meatball recipe Servings Ingredients Lamb Meatballs 1 tbsp Avocado Oil more as needed 1 lb ground lamb 1 medium yellow onion minced 2 cloves garlic minced 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped 1 tsp de-stemmed fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp dried oregano salt and pepper to taste 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes more or less to taste, optional Tzatziki Sauce 1/2 large cucumber, unpeeled and shredded 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 large clove garlic minced 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp minced fresh dill

Instructions

Lamb meatballs

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet on medium heat until shimmery
2. Add the remaining 8 ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine, being careful not to overwork.
3. Wet your hands with water and using 2 tablespoons of the lamb mix, form into meatballs, wetting your hands as needed to stop the meat from sticking to them.
4. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until brown on all sides and cooked through; about 6 minutes total. Be careful not to over crowd the meatballs and cause sweating.
5. remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside

Tzatziki Sauce

1. Strain the cucumber through a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid. This can be done over night in the fridge. If pushed for time squeeze out juices using cheesecloth or paper towels.
2. Combine the yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oil and salt in a bowl.
3. Add the cucumber and fresh dill to the yogurt mix and stir to thoroughly combine.
4. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to use.

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