Have you ever wanted a dish that mixes bold flavors with easy cooking? Let me share baked Greek meatballs, a meal that does just that. If you love traditional “meat and potatoes” dishes, this Greek version will amaze you. It brings together vibrant Greek spices and zesty lemon in each bite.
Imagine juicy meatballs packed with spices, sitting next to golden potatoes that soak up rich flavor. These are not your regular meatballs—they are Greek meatballs and potatoes, blending strong flavors with simple steps. With ingredients like garlic and lemon, this dish has that true Mediterranean flair while being easy to make. Just put everything in a baking dish, and soon a delicious meal is ready to enjoy.
I remember my first taste of a Mediterranean meatball recipe clear as day. It was on a beautiful island in Greece, where I found a lovely tavern by the sea. The air was filled with enticing smells of herbs and sizzling garlic, pulling me in like magic. That first taste is forever in my memory: tender, juicy, and like a Mediterranean getaway on a plate. The flavors danced with the sea breeze, and I knew I had to make this dish at home.
Yes, these baked Greek meatballs are a healthier option, packed with nutrients and flavor. Ground meat mixed with garlic and herbs gives a delightful kick but feels light. If you want to change the recipe for special diets, there are simple swaps to consider. You might choose ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb for something leaner. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers not only improves the nutritional value but also makes the dish more colorful and textured.
Using these ingredients in your kitchen will turn any meal into a Mediterranean feast. This dish, with its rustic feel, shows that cooking can be easy and tasty. Share with friends or family, and let the excitement of baked Greek meatballs shine through.
These Greek meatballs, with their Mediterranean charm, will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy, and relish every zesty, herby, garlicky bite. Your taste buds will appreciate this culinary trip to sunny Greece.
To make the Baked Greek Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
Position a rack in the center of the oven, and heat the oven to 375 °F.
In a small bowl, place the bread and cover it with water (or milk, if you wish). Set aside for a few minutes until the bread is tender and falls apart. Using your hands, squeeze out excess water, then crumble the bread into a medium mixing bowl.
To the bowl with the crumbled bread, add 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef, 1 grated onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 large egg, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and/or mint, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a big pinch of salt and black pepper. Using your hands, mix the mixture until well combined.
In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¾ teaspoon black pepper. While constantly whisking, slowly drizzle in ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil.
Arrange the halved potatoes and sliced onions in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and season with a big pinch of salt and black pepper. Roll the meat mixture into about 15-16 small meatballs and tuck them in between the potatoes and onions. Pour the prepared ladolemono sauce all over the meatballs and potatoes.
Cover the baking dish with a piece of aluminum foil and bake until the meatballs are almost cooked through, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked and the potatoes are golden and tender.
Garnish with more fresh chopped herbs and serve right away.
Delicious! Bring back memories of my Greece trip.
I like this one-pan dinner!