Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce offer a fantastic combination of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors. The meatballs are light yet hearty, thanks to the lean ground turkey and the inclusion of feta cheese, while the spices such as oregano, dill, and cumin transport you straight to the Mediterranean. The homemade tzatziki sauce complements the meatballs with its cool and tangy notes, making this dish a perfect balance of taste and texture. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful recipe that takes just 30 minutes to make!

Ingredients

For the Greek meatballs:

• 1 lb. ground turkey

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup red onion, chopped

• ¼ cup feta cheese

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 egg

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried dill

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the tzatziki sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 Persian cucumbers, grated

• 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon of dried dill)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• Cracked black pepper, to taste

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

Directions

To make the tzatziki sauce:

1. Grate the cucumbers and wrap them in paper towels or place them in a cheese cloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh dill (or dried), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper.

3. Stir well until everything is fully mixed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.

To make the meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, feta cheese, minced garlic, egg, oregano, dill, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together using your hands.

3. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. If you prefer, you can brown the meatballs in a sauté pan before baking, which may reduce the cooking time to around 13 minutes.

5. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and serve immediately with tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based meat alternative or chickpeas blended with breadcrumbs and spices to make a vegetarian version of these meatballs.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeño to the meatball mixture for a spicy twist.

• Greek Yogurt Substitution: For a lighter tzatziki sauce, you can use low-fat Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the tzatziki sauce, give it a quick stir and serve cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for the meatballs?

Yes, ground chicken works just as well as ground turkey in this recipe.

2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I bake the meatballs without using parchment paper?

Yes, if you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.

4. How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

5. Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce instead?

Yes, store-bought tzatziki sauce is an option if you’re short on time. However, homemade tzatziki will give you a fresher taste.

7. How do I make sure the meatballs stay juicy?

To keep the meatballs moist, don’t overmix the ingredients, and avoid cooking them for too long. Check them at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

8. Can I use dried cucumber instead of fresh?

Fresh cucumber is key to making tzatziki sauce, as it provides the necessary moisture and texture. Dried cucumber will not work in this recipe.

9. Can I use a different cheese in the meatballs?

Feta adds a tangy flavor, but you could try goat cheese or ricotta cheese for a different taste.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can add finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce offer a fantastic way to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors in a healthy, satisfying dish. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also allows for endless variations, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main dish, or light snack, these turkey meatballs are sure to impress!

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