Greek Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a taste of Greece? Ever find yourself craving something healthy but proper tasty? Well, you're in luck. My Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are about to become your new best mate.
These little beauties are bursting with flavour, and honestly, they're dead easy to make.
Quick Hook
What if I told you, you could have Healthy Greek Meatballs ready in less than an hour? These Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs With Tzatziki are juicy, herby, and served with the most delicious Greek Yogurt Sauce for Meatballs you’ve ever tasted.
Brief Overview
These Greek Meatballs are inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors. They are super simple to make. From start to finish, it will take you less than an hour.
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Perfect for a light dinner or Greek Appetizers with Tzatziki .
Main Benefits
One of the best things about these meatballs? They’re made with lean turkey! Talk about a Lean Turkey Meatball Recipe .
Plus, they are packed with protein and healthy fats. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together. What makes these meatballs special is the homemade Tzatziki Sauce .
It’s cool, creamy, and the perfect complement to the savory meatballs. If you're really looking to impress then you can even make a Greek Meatball Bowl With Tzatziki .
Honestly, I remember when I first tried making meatballs. I was terrified. I thought they'd be dry and crumbly. But trust me, this Turkey Meatball Recipe is foolproof.
The secret is not overmixing the mixture and a little milk.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, before we dive into making these amazing Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki , let's get our ducks in a row.
"Fail to prepare, prepare to fail," as they say, eh? First things first, gathering the best ingredients. Honestly, top-notch ingredients are half the battle.
These Healthy Greek Meatballs are so easy to make.
Main Ingredients for the Best Greek Turkey Meatballs
Here's what you'll need for the meatballs. Remember, accuracy is key, but don't stress too much!
- Ground Turkey: 1 lb (450g) . Go for lean turkey if you can. Higher quality turkey tastes better!
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) . Panko are great.
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Any kind of milk will work.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) , finely chopped. Fresh is best!
- Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup (15g) , finely chopped.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons .
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon .
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the Tzatziki Sauce :
- Greek Yogurt: 1 cup (240ml) , plain. The cornerstone for this Greek Yogurt Sauce for Meatballs , full fat is creamier!
- Cucumber: 1/2 cup (60g) , grated and squeezed dry.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon .
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon .
- Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon , chopped.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes for Delicious Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs With Tzatziki
Oregano is essential. It gives that proper Greek vibe. A touch of cumin and cinnamon adds warmth. For extra zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs mixture.
Use fresh herbs. It will elevate your Greek Meatball Bowl With Tzatziki .
Essential Equipment
Nothing too fancy here.
- Large mixing bowl: For the meatballs.
- Grater: For the cucumber.
- Cheesecloth or paper towels: To squeeze the cucumber.
- Small bowl: For the Tzatziki Sauce .
- Skillet or frying pan: To cook the meatballs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Standard issue.
- Small spatula: to turn the meatballs
Don't have cheesecloth? No worries. A clean tea towel works a treat. A regular bowl can stand in if you don't own a mixing bowl. Now you're set. Bob's your uncle !
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Fancy a bit of the Med without forking out for a holiday? Honestly, these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are the bee's knees.
They're proper easy to make and healthier than your average meatball. They make a fantastic appetizer or a light dinner.
I've adapted this Turkey Meatball Recipe from a few places, but mostly from SkinnyTaste.com. You know? It's all about good vibes and great taste!
Cooking Method
Alright, let's talk cooking these beauties. I’ve used pan-frying here, but you can bake 'em too! Each method gives a slightly different result.
I swear, the aroma alone will transport you to a sunny taverna.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place: Get all your ingredients measured and chopped. No one wants to be caught short mid-cook! Finely chop your parsley, mint, and red onion. Mince that garlic too. Grate your cucumber, then squeeze it dry in cheesecloth.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Mix the Tzatziki Sauce first. That way it can chill while you’re prepping the meatballs. Healthy Greek Meatballs are just a few steps away!
- Safety Reminders: Wash your hands! This should be obvious, but gotta say it. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when you're cooking. Steam and sad meatballs are not on the menu.
step-by-step Process: From Bowl to Plate
- Make the Tzatziki: Combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Boom! Stick it in the fridge.
- Mix Meatball Magic: In a bowl, throw in your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, herbs, onion, garlic, egg, lemon juice, and spices.
- Mix Gently: Mix it gently until just combined. No need to Hulk smash it. Overmixing equals tough meatballs.
- Chill Out: Cover the mixture and chill for at least 15 minutes. Helps them hold their shape, innit?
- Roll 'Em: Roll into approximately 1 inch meatballs.
- Cook 'Em: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add meatballs, turning occasionally. Cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C). That's how you know they're safe to eat.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: Seriously, I can't stress this enough! Overmixed meatballs are the bane of my existence.
- Chill Before Shaping: Chilling the mixture really helps them hold their shape. No one wants flat meatballs.
- Make these Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki into a Greek Meatball Bowl With Tzatziki by serving them over rice or quinoa. You can also serve them as Greek Appetizers with Tzatziki . Bob’s your uncle! It’s an Easy Mediterranean Recipe . These Lean Turkey Meatball Recipes go really well with Greek Yogurt Sauce for Meatballs , it is the best for flavor
Honestly, give this a go. These Greek Turkey Meatballs are amazing. They're light, flavorful, and the tzatziki is just the thing to cool you down.
Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy, you cheeky monkeys!
Recipe Notes for the Best Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Alright, let's talk about making these awesome Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki even better. You know, the kind of tips and tricks that elevate a good recipe to a "ring your mum" amazing recipe.
Ace Your Greek Turkey Meatball Bowl With Tzatziki
Presentation matters, innit? Pile those Healthy Greek Meatballs high in a bowl. Drizzle generously with the Greek Yogurt Sauce for Meatballs , aka Tzatziki! Chuck in some crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Ta-dah! Insta worthy. Serve your Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs With Tzatziki over some fluffy couscous or quinoa. A fresh Greek salad on the side really completes the meal.
Don't forget some grilled pita bread for dipping into that dreamy Tzatziki Sauce .
How To Store Your Lean Turkey Meatball Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Greek Meatballs are lush cold too. Pop 'em in an airtight container and they'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Spread the cooked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet. Then freeze for an hour.
Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15- 20 minutes.
You can also reheat them in a pan with a little olive oil.
Mix Up Your Easy Mediterranean Recipes
Fancy a change? Swap the ground turkey for ground lamb to make these Greek Appetizers with Tzatziki a bit richer.
Or, if you're trying to cut carbs, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mix.
Nutrition Basics for Your Turkey Meatball Recipe
Each serving's clocking in around 350 calories . You're getting a whopping 30g of protein , around 20g of fat , and approximately 15g of carbs .
It’s a balanced meal, right? These meatballs are packed with protein. The Tzatziki Sauce offers probiotics for gut health. Plus, you're getting a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the herbs and veggies.
Honestly, these meatballs are a winner. They're easy, healthy, and packed with flavour. And Bob's your uncle , you have a cracking meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki ahead of time? I'm prepping for a proper Greek knees-up!
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance. Shape them, then store them in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. You can also cook them fully, then reheat them gently in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve.
The Tzatziki sauce is best made a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days just give it a good stir before serving.
My Tzatziki sauce is always a bit watery. What am I doing wrong, mate?
The secret to a creamy, non-watery Tzatziki is all in the cucumber! Grated cucumber is full of water, so it's vital to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible using cheesecloth or a sturdy paper towel before adding it to the yogurt.
This will prevent a soggy sauce, keeping it nice and thick a bit like finding a tenner in your old coat pocket!
I'm not a huge fan of turkey. Can I substitute another meat in these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki?
You certainly can! Ground lamb is a classic choice for Greek meatballs and adds a richer flavour. You could also use ground chicken or even a mixture of ground beef and lamb. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
Think of it like choosing your favourite spice level at your local curry house; tailor it to your tastes!
How should I store leftover Greek Turkey Meatballs and Tzatziki? And how long will they last?
Store leftover meatballs and Tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will last for up to 3-4 days, and the Tzatziki sauce is best used within 2-3 days. Reheat the meatballs gently in the microwave, oven, or skillet. The Tzatziki is best served cold.
Are Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know.
These meatballs can be a healthy option! Using lean ground turkey reduces the fat content compared to traditional meatballs. To further reduce calories, use non-fat Greek yogurt in the Tzatziki, and consider baking the meatballs instead of pan-frying to eliminate added oil.
They're packed with protein and flavour, making them a satisfying and nutritious meal, guilt free!
Can I freeze these Greek Turkey Meatballs? What's the best way to do it?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs! Allow them to cool completely after cooking. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The Tzatziki, however, doesn't freeze well, so it's best to make that fresh.
Greek Turkey Meatballs With Creamy Tzatziki Sauc
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |