Name: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors. The tender and juicy turkey meatballs are paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce that adds a refreshing and zesty touch. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Form the turkey mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides.

Transfer the browned meatballs to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve the turkey meatballs with the tzatziki sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

For a spicier kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs or the tzatziki sauce.

If I want a lighter version, I swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed nuts for a gluten-free option.

You can also swap out ground turkey for chicken or lean beef for a different protein base.

Storage/Reheating

I usually store the meatballs and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the meatballs, I simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes or in the microwave. If I have leftovers, the tzatziki sauce can also be refrigerated and used as a dip for other meals like roasted veggies or pita bread.

FAQs

How can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatballs in advance by forming them and refrigerating them until you’re ready to cook. If you prefer, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them straight from the freezer when needed.

Can I use a different kind of yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?

Yes! While Greek yogurt is ideal for its thick texture, you can use regular yogurt as a substitute, but you might want to strain it to remove excess liquid.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of browning them in a skillet?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the skillet step and bake the meatballs directly in the oven. Just bake them for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until fully cooked.

What can I serve these meatballs with?

These Greek turkey meatballs are perfect with a side of roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or a fresh pita for a more filling meal. I also love serving them over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These meatballs are a great meal prep option. They store well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making them perfect for busy weekdays.

Conclusion

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy lean protein with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Whether I’m making them for dinner or preparing them in advance for a busy week, this recipe never disappoints. The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the tzatziki sauce adds that perfect cool, creamy finish. It’s an easy, healthy, and mouthwatering dish that I’m sure will become a regular in my meal rotation!

Recipe: