Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are perfect for any family dinner. They combine lean turkey with vibrant herbs, making each bite fresh and flavorful. Paired with creamy tzatziki, these meatballs are both satisfying and light. They’re simple to make, which is a big plus for busy weeknights!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These turkey meatballs are not only delicious but also super easy to prepare. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, they fit right into your family’s routine. They’re great for both adults and kids, making dinnertime a breeze. The added bonus? The tzatziki sauce brings a refreshing kick!
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Making these meatballs is a straightforward process. Just mix the ingredients, form the meatballs, and bake until they’re golden and cooked through. The tzatziki sauce is equally simple, just mix and serve. You don’t need any special skills to create this tasty dish!
What You Need
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- In another bowl, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce on the side.
How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs are versatile! Serve them over a bed of rice or alongside a crisp salad. They’re also fantastic with pita bread for a fun meal. Try adding a sprinkle of feta or olives on top for extra flavor. They’re perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings.
How to Store Greek Turkey Meatballs
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, just pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work well too.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs.
- Adjust seasoning based on your taste; feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs for better texture.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap ground turkey for lean ground beef or chicken if preferred.
- Use Greek yogurt alternatives like sour cream or dairy-free yogurt for a different taste.
- Try adding chopped spinach or grated carrots to the meatball mixture for a veggie boost.
- Omit the cheese for a dairy-free option, or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy nights.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just let the meatballs cool after cooking and then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
For best results, reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warm throughout, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they might not stay as crispy.
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Yes, you can use any ground meat you prefer. Ground chicken, beef, or pork all work well and will provide slightly different flavors.
How can I avoid dry meatballs?
Be careful not to overmix the ingredients and watch the baking time. Once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove them from the oven to keep them tender.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
Making the Tzatziki Sauce
- In another bowl, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Serving
- Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce on the side.
