Description
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delicious and healthy twist on classic meatballs, featuring fresh herbs and a flavorful yogurt-based sauce. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop and served over rice, this recipe offers a light yet satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean, 7% fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 large red onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Tzatziki (for serving)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Cooked rice, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with the minced garlic. Grate or finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl. Add the egg, breadcrumbs or almond flour, chopped fresh dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently using your hands until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 14 evenly sized meatballs to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, cooking them for 7-8 minutes. Turn them continuously to brown all sides evenly and ensure thorough cooking. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the tzatziki: While the meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, finely grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the cooked meatballs hot over cooked rice with a generous dollop of freshly made tzatziki on the side.
Notes
- Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Ensure the cucumber is well-drained for tzatziki to prevent watery sauce.
- Cooking meatballs evenly by turning frequently helps retain moisture and achieve a uniform crust.
- Ground turkey breast (93/7) keeps the meatballs lean yet flavorful.
- Check internal temperature to guarantee food safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
