Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Lean: Made with ground turkey, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or lamb versions, making them a great option for health-conscious individuals.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs like mint, oregano, and parsley, along with feta cheese and lemon zest, infuses the meatballs with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cook time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to prepare a dish in a hurry.
- Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs can be served in various ways—paired with a tangy tzatziki sauce, over a bed of rice or salad, or wrapped in warm pita bread for a delicious gyro.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 large egg
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Oven: Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, olive oil, red onion, mint, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, lemon zest, crushed red pepper, and egg. Mix gently until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs: Broil the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with tzatziki sauce, over rice, or wrapped in pita bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
- Different Protein: Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef for a slightly different flavor.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh mint or oregano, dried versions can work—use half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these meatballs instead of broiling them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. What should I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs go well with tzatziki sauce, hummus, pita bread, rice, or a fresh Greek salad.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
5. Can I air fry these meatballs?
Yes! Cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. Can I use ground lamb instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground lamb will add a more traditional Mediterranean flavor to these meatballs.
7. Do I need to use fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use half the amount if using dried.
8. How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?
Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, and make sure to cook them just until they reach 165°F. Adding a bit of olive oil also helps keep them moist.
9. What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
Tzatziki, hummus, or a simple yogurt-garlic sauce pair wonderfully with these meatballs.
10. Can I make mini meatballs for appetizers?
Yes! Simply roll them into smaller sizes and adjust the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes.
Conclusion
Greek Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. They’re quick to make, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main dish, or meal-prep option, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Try them with tzatziki, a fresh salad, or wrapped in pita for a satisfying meal
Greek Turkey Meatballs
These Greek Turkey Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean herbs and spices. Made with lean ground turkey, feta, and fresh herbs, they’re perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Serve with tzatziki, rice, or in pita for a delicious dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Ingredients
- Protein & Binders: 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
- Flavorings: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons fresh mint (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Seasonings: ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, feta, breadcrumbs, olive oil, red onion, mint, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, lemon zest, crushed red pepper, and egg until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook Meatballs: Broil for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with tzatziki sauce, over rice, or in pita bread.
Notes
- Spicy Option: Increase crushed red pepper or add cayenne.
- Dairy-Free: Omit feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Different Protein: Swap turkey for chicken or lean beef.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
