Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs are packed with flavor, featuring lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices. Paired with a cool and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish is a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or in a pita for a healthy and delicious meal option.
Ingredients
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For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
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1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
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⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
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1 large egg
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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¼ cup finely chopped onion
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Olive oil (for cooking, if pan-frying)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
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1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
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½ cucumber, grated and drained
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
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For the Greek Turkey Meatballs:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil for pan-frying.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
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Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture.
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Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
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For baking: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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For pan-frying: Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 7-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
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For the Tzatziki Sauce:
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In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it is drained well to remove excess moisture), garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and olive oil.
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Stir until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill the tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
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Notes
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You can make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.
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If you prefer, you can also serve these meatballs with pita bread, in a salad, or over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 15-20 minutes (pan-frying)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek