Why You’ll Love Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a great twist on the classic meatball, offering a lighter, leaner version without sacrificing flavor. The meatballs are seasoned with garlic, oregano, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint, giving them an authentic Mediterranean taste. The tzatziki sauce, made with cool cucumber, tangy yogurt, and a hint of garlic, is the perfect creamy accompaniment. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s incredibly versatile, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
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For the meatballs:
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1 lb lean ground turkey
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
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For the tzatziki sauce:
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess moisture squeezed out
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1-2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Make the tzatziki sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (after squeezing out any excess moisture), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and refrigerate while you prepare the meatballs.
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Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
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Form the meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a tray or plate.
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Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can also bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes if you prefer to avoid frying.
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Serve: Arrange the meatballs on a platter and serve with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. You can also serve them with pita, over rice, or in a salad.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 (about 12-16 meatballs)
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
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Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
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Beef or chicken meatballs: If you prefer, you can swap the turkey for lean ground beef or chicken to suit your tastes.
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Spicy tzatziki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili pepper to the tzatziki for a spicy kick.
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Baked meatballs: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying them.
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Vegetarian version: Replace the turkey with a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian-friendly option.
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Add cheese: Mix in a bit of crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tzatziki sauce can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months and cook them directly from frozen.
2. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
While store-bought tzatziki can be convenient, making it fresh with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs offers a much fresher, more vibrant flavor. However, you can certainly use store-bought as a shortcut if needed.
3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Baking is a great healthier option that still keeps the meatballs juicy and tender.
4. How can I make the meatballs juicier?
To make the meatballs extra juicy, you can add a bit of grated zucchini or a splash of milk to the meatball mixture. Just be sure to squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini before mixing it in.
5. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked. You can check this with a meat thermometer or cut one in half to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.
6. Can I use a different herb instead of parsley and mint?
Yes, you can substitute other herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
7. Can I make the tzatziki sauce without garlic?
Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce without garlic if you prefer a milder flavor, or substitute with a pinch of garlic powder.
8. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
9. Can I use Greek yogurt with a lower fat content for the tzatziki?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt, but the sauce may be a bit less creamy. Full-fat yogurt provides the best texture and flavor.
10. Can I serve these meatballs in a pita or wrap?
Absolutely! These Greek turkey meatballs are perfect in a pita or wrap, along with fresh veggies, lettuce, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
Conclusion
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious and healthy twist on classic meatballs, offering vibrant Mediterranean flavors that are sure to satisfy. With tender turkey meatballs and a tangy, refreshing tzatziki sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether as a main meal or an appetizer. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a lighter yet flavorful dish.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious, healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Packed with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, oregano, and feta cheese, these tender turkey meatballs are paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a low-carb meal, appetizer, or served with pita and vegetables!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the tzatziki sauce: Start by making the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the meatballs.
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated but be careful not to overmix.
Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve: Arrange the cooked meatballs on a platter and serve with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired. These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or paired with pita bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer baking the meatballs instead of frying them, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the meatballs before serving.
- The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
