Name: Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492291H44M12S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean); 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Olive oil for cooking; 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat); 1/2 cucumber (grated and drained); 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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The aroma of freshly baked meatballs wafts through the kitchen, filling the air with an inviting warmth that beckons loved ones to gather around the table. These Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki not only tease your senses with their savory scent but also offer a beautiful golden crust when cooked just right. Picture juicy meatballs packed with flavors of garlic and fresh herbs, waiting to be dipped in a cool, creamy tzatziki that sings of summer. It’s a dish that feels a bit like a warm hug on a cool evening, perfect for a family dinner or snack for a gathering with friends.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

I remember the first time I savored Greek cuisine—my family and I discovered a small local eatery, where the meatballs were golden, tender, and bursting with flavor. This nostalgic moment sparked a passion for re-creating those flavors at home, where I now enjoy making these delicious meatballs with my own spin. Spring or summer, any occasion is suitable for serving these delightful bites. So, let’s dive into making your own batch of Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in under 35 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings!
Irresistible Flavor: Bursting with garlic and fresh herbs, these meatballs have a delightful balance of savory taste and tender texture.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those golden meatballs paired with bright green tzatziki are sure to impress anyone you serve.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them with pita, rice, or even as part of a fresh salad for a light, tasty meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: They’re naturally low in fat, and you can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean): This keeps your meatballs light and packed with protein. For a richer flavor, you might try using ground chicken or even lamb.
1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture, ensuring you get tender meatballs. Panko breadcrumbs can yield a crispier texture.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together. If you’re vegan, you can substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
3 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a fantastic depth of flavor. Freshly minced garlic creates a more robust taste than jarred.
1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion balances the meat and enhances overall flavor. Shallots can be a nice substitute for a milder taste.
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens the dish with freshness. You might use dill or mint in place of parsley if desired.
1 tsp dried oregano: This brings a quintessential Mediterranean flavor. For a twist, try using fresh oregano if you have it on hand.
1/2 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthy notes that complement the turkey beautifully. Coriander can also work well here.
1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your meatballs.
Olive oil for cooking: Use this to pan-fry your meatballs for a lovely golden exterior. Alternatively, you can also bake or air-fry them.

For the tzatziki sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat): The creamy base for your tzatziki, providing richness and tang. You can substitute it with a dairy-free yogurt if needed.
1/2 cucumber (grated and drained): Freshness and crunch come from the cucumber. Be sure to drain it well to keep your tzatziki from getting watery.
1 garlic clove (minced): Adds a punch of flavor to the sauce, complementing the meatballs perfectly.
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens the tzatziki with a tangy lift. Always use fresh for the best flavor.
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped): The quintessential herb in tzatziki, offering a refreshing flavor. Mint can also be used if you prefer.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, enhancing its creaminess.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning your tzatziki sauce to perfection.

How to Make Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Combine Ingredients: Start by adding your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to mix these ingredients until combined but be careful not to over-mix. Overworking the meat can lead to tough meatballs. If you have a stand mixer, this can help with the mixing process!

Form Meatballs: Now, using your hands, shape the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield around 16-20 meatballs, depending on your size preference. If your mixture feels too sticky, dampen your hands with a little water to make rolling easier.

Cook the Meatballs: You have a few options here! For the oven-baked method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Prefer to pan-fry? Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, then cook the meatballs in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they get that lovely golden crust. Alternatively, the air fryer method is as simple as preheating to 380°F (193°C) and cooking the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

Prepare the Tzatziki: While the meatballs are cooking, it’s time to whip up that refreshing tzatziki sauce. First, grate the cucumber and drain it using a paper towel or cheesecloth to absorb excess moisture. In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, the drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and olive oil. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to your taste. For the best flavor, let this chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve & Enjoy: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a minute. Serve the turkey meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. You can accompany them with pita bread, rice, or even a fresh garden salad to make it a complete, balanced meal.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, these meatballs freeze beautifully—just place them in a freezer-safe container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the tzatziki may feel a bit thinner after freezing, so a quick stir can help refresh its consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the turkey mixture to keep your meatballs tender and juicy.
For the best texture, let the meatball mixture sit for about 10 minutes before shaping. This helps the breadcrumbs absorb moisture.
If you’re short on time, the meatballs can be made ahead and frozen, then just cook them directly from frozen with a bit of additional time.
Experiment with the herbs! If you love mint, throw in a bit for a fresh twist.
Pay attention to the cooking times and doneness—it’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Feel free to tweak the tzatziki according to your tastes; adding a pinch of cayenne can provide a delightful kick!

Deliciously satisfying and packed with flavor, these meatballs are perfect for everyone to enjoy! Experiment with serving ideas, and feel free to switch up the seasoning based on your preferences. You’ll love how easy it is to create a flavorful Mediterranean dish right at home.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different ground meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, pork, or even beef, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the fat content may change the overall texture and flavor of your meatballs.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Making these Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs gluten-free is very simple! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, and check the labels on your Greek yogurt and other sauces to ensure they’re also gluten-free.

What should I serve with the meatballs?

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them with warm pita bread, over a bed of greens, or with a side of roasted vegetables. They also pair wonderfully with rice or quinoa, and you can even turn them into a delicious meatball wrap.

How long do leftovers last?

Your leftover Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, which makes them a convenient meal prep option for busy days!