If you want to bring the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen table, Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a total must-make. You get juicy, herb-flecked meatballs paired with the creamy, tangy brightness of homemade tzatziki. This meal is easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests—trust me, one bite and everyone’s hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: Bright herbs and spices make these meatballs burst with classic Greek charm, perfectly complemented by the cool, creamy tzatziki.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Everything you need is fresh, easy to find, and comes together in under an hour.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them as appetizers, in a pita wrap, or with your favorite salad—these are always a hit!
- Perfect Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Both the Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce and the leftovers keep beautifully for stress-free meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is a dish where every ingredient counts! Most are probably already in your kitchen, and together they create the irresistible taste and juicy texture that make Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce so special. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Olive oil: Used for drizzling over the pan, it gives the meatballs a golden, flavorful crust.
- Ground beef (85/15): Brings hearty flavor and just enough fat for juicy, tender bites.
- Ground pork: Adds richness and depth, creating that irresistible Greek-style blend.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the meatballs and tzatziki, making all the flavors pop.
- Ground cumin: Provides earthy warmth without overpowering the herbs.
- Ground oregano: The classic Mediterranean flavor that’s instantly recognizable in Greek dishes.
- Red pepper flakes: A touch of gentle heat that keeps each bite lively.
- Fresh parsley, dill, and mint: This trio of chopped herbs adds color, aroma, and authentic Greek freshness.
- Red onion: Finely diced for sweetness and crunch inside the meatballs.
- Black pepper: Just a hint elevates the taste subtly.
- Fresh garlic: Essential for both the meatballs and tzatziki—the more aromatic, the better!
- Seedless cucumber: Gives tzatziki its crisp texture and signature refreshing taste.
- Greek yogurt, full-fat: The creamy base for tzatziki; it makes the sauce thick, rich, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that balances all those savory, herby notes.
- Salt (for tzatziki): Pulls all the flavors together; don’t forget to taste and adjust as you go!
Variations
This Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce recipe is endlessly adaptable! You can swap, tweak, or add ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs—get creative and make it your own.
- Try Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lighten up the recipe with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, equally delicious version.
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumble some feta into the meat mixture for a creamy, tangy surprise inside every bite.
- Make It Gluten-Free: These meatballs hold together without breadcrumbs, but you can add a gluten-free alternative if you like a firmer texture.
- Tzatziki Twist: Swap dill for fresh mint, or add a handful of chopped chives for a new flavor boost in the sauce.
How to Make Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 425°F—this helps the meatballs cook quickly and get beautifully browned. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, all the chopped fresh herbs, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper. Dive in with your hands and mix until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat (that’s the key to tender meatballs!).
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or drizzle it with olive oil so nothing sticks. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to keep meatballs uniform—roll each gently between your palms and space them evenly on the pan. Once they’re all set, slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are sizzling and reach 165°F inside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Tzatziki Sauce
While the meatballs cook, make your fresh tzatziki. Pulse cucumber, garlic, and dill in a food processor or finely chop by hand. Stir this mixture into thick Greek yogurt, add bright lemon juice, sprinkle in a little salt, and taste. Cover and chill until serving time—the flavors only get better!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Greek meatballs are done, let them cool slightly before plating. Arrange them with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side or over the top. Let everyone dig in while everything’s still warm, and get ready for rave reviews!
Pro Tips for Making Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
- Herb Power: Use plenty of fresh herbs—not dried. The combo of fresh mint, dill, and parsley gives these Greek meatballs their unmistakable flavor and aroma.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the meat and seasonings just until combined. Overworking the mixture can lead to dense, tough meatballs.
- No Skipping the Chill: If you have extra time, chill the rolled meatballs for 15 minutes before baking—this helps them stay perfectly round and juicy.
- Tzatziki Texture: For the thickest, creamiest sauce, drain excess water from the cucumber before mixing it into the yogurt.
How to Serve Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Garnishes
To make these Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce look as gorgeous as they taste, sprinkle extra chopped dill or parsley over the top, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Lemon wedges and a pinch of flaky sea salt add a restaurant-worthy final touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or lemon-herb rice for a super-satisfying meal. Roasted veggies like eggplant or zucchini keep things light and make for the perfect Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce as party appetizers on mini skewers, nestled in a pita wrap with crisp veggies, or even as a protein-packed salad bowl topper. Don’t be afraid to get playful—the flavors go with just about anything!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Greek meatballs and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The meatballs will stay fresh for up to four days, and the tzatziki keeps well for three days—perfect for easy lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months. The tzatziki sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make and freeze the meatballs ahead for crowd-pleasing meals on demand.
Reheating
Warm the meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts. Give the tzatziki a quick stir and serve it cold alongside the reheated meatballs.
FAQs
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Can I make Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Both the meatballs and the tzatziki sauce can be made the night before. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat the meatballs before serving for the freshest flavor.
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Do I need a food processor for the tzatziki sauce?
A food processor makes the cucumber and dill extra fine, but you can absolutely chop everything by hand for a more rustic, chunky texture—it all tastes delicious!
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs really shine here and give the authentic Greek touch, but if you’re in a pinch, use 1/3 the amount of dried (since dried are more concentrated) and add an extra splash of lemon for freshness.
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How do I keep the meatballs from being dry?
Make sure not to overbake them, and don’t skimp on the fat from the beef and pork. Also, mixing just until combined and using plenty of fresh herbs helps lock in moisture for truly juicy Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce as I am to share this recipe with you! It brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Give it a try, and let a little Greek sunshine brighten your next dinner.
Print
Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Greek meatballs served with a creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, these juicy meatballs are packed with herbs and spices, complemented by the refreshing tanginess of the yogurt-based sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup diced seedless cucumber
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add the ground pork, ground beef, fresh herbs, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined.
- Scoop the meat mixture using a cookie dough scoop to form the meatballs and then roll them in between the palm of your hands. Place them on a sheet pan that has been drizzled with olive oil.
- After all of the meatballs have been rolled and placed on the sheet pan, bake them at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the meatballs are cooking, make the tzatziki sauce. Add the cucumber, garlic, and dill to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the cucumber mixture to the Greek yogurt and stir until well combined. Stir in the lemon juice and salt and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- When the meatballs are done, let them cool slightly and then serve with the tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 492
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 944mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 129mg
