There’s something inherently comforting about a hearty plate of meatballs, especially when they’re infused with the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. This recipe for Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki combines lean turkey with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a dish that’s not just delicious but also makes you feel good about what you’re eating. Whether you’re prepping for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, these meatballs serve as a crowd-pleaser that embodies wholesome goodness. Plus, the creamy tzatziki on the side brings a refreshing balance to the dish that’s hard to resist.
Why you’ll love this dish
When it comes to weeknight dinners, Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki checks all the boxes. They’re quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and tailored to fit a variety of dietary preferences. This dish is not only budget-friendly—requiring just a handful of ingredients—but it’s also an excellent opportunity to introduce your family to the bold tastes of Mediterranean cooking. Whether you’re serving them alongside a crisp salad or wrapping them in pita bread, you can customize how you enjoy them.
“These meatballs were a hit at our dinner party! Everyone loved the tzatziki. I’m definitely making these again!” — Sarah M.
Preparing Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Ready to dive in? Making these meatballs is a straightforward process that won’t leave you stuck in the kitchen for hours. You’ll start by mixing the turkey with breadcrumbs and seasonings, forming them into bite-sized meatballs. While they bake to golden perfection in the oven, you can quickly whip up the creamy tzatziki that elevates the dish. In around 30 minutes, you’ll have an impressive and wholesome meal ready to serve!
What you’ll need
Here’s what you’ll gather for this delicious recipe:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Feel free to swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined, then shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and fresh dill together in a bowl.
- Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving Greek Turkey Meatballs is an opportunity to get creative! These meatballs are wonderful on their own but can shine even brighter when paired with your favorite sides. Consider plating them atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, or serve them with a crunchy Greek salad featuring tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. You could even stuff them into warm pita bread with fresh veggies for a casual wrap that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (or if you plan to make these ahead of time), storing them properly is key. Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage—just be sure to reheat them thoroughly when you’re ready to serve again. To reheat, simply bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Pro chef tips
To elevate your Greek Turkey Meatballs, don’t skimp on the fresh herbs; they make a substantial difference in flavor. When shaping the meatballs, try not to compact them too tightly, as this can make them tough. A light touch ensures they’ll stay tender and juicy. You can also mix in a bit of crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Creative twists
Feel like switching things up? Here are a few variations to consider:
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs—basil or mint could offer unique flavors to the tzatziki.
- Vegetarian Option: Use chickpeas or lentils instead of ground turkey for a hearty vegetarian version of these meatballs.
Common questions
How long does prep and cooking take?
The total time for making Greek Turkey Meatballs is about 30-35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
Absolutely! Tzatziki can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What’s the best way to freeze the meatballs?
To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container for easy storage and quick meals later on.
By following these steps and tips, you’re on your way to impressing your family and friends with delicious Greek Turkey Meatballs that are as wholesome as they are flavorful!
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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Delicious Greek Turkey Meatballs infused with aromatic herbs, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined, then shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and fresh dill together in a bowl.
- Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the meatball mixture. You can also mix in crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg