Explore the rich culinary traditions of Greece with this mouthwatering recipe for Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce. Tender, aromatic meatballs simmered in a bright, tangy lemon-infused broth – this dish is a delightful exploration of Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Greek isles. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce
The key to achieving authentic Greek flavors in this dish lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1/4 cup arborio rice (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the flavorful broth and lemon sauce, you’ll need:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 eggs
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
The combination of ground meat, aromatic herbs, and the tangy lemon-based sauce creates a truly authentic Greek flavor profile that’s sure to delight your senses.
How to Make Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce
Ready to bring the flavors of Greece to your kitchen? Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare a skillet if you prefer to cook the meatballs on the stovetop.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, arborio rice, parsley, dill, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well until they’re thoroughly combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the meatball mixture into small, uniform balls, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs: If baking, place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and cook for 20–25 minutes until they’re cooked through. For stovetop cooking, brown the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until they’re fully cooked.
- Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. Set this aside.
- Heat the Broth: In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the egg-lemon mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Combine the Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the lemon sauce and let them simmer for 3–5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to blend.
Serve your Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley or dill if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
The Nutritional Benefits of Greek Meatballs
In addition to their amazing flavor, Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce offer a nutritional boost. The lean ground meat provides a source of high-quality protein, while the herbs and lemon juice add antioxidants and vitamins. This dish can be a great option for those following a gluten-free or high-protein diet. The arborio rice in the meatballs also adds a comforting, hearty texture to the overall dish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce
What type of meat works best for Greek meatballs?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can also use a combination of ground beef and pork for an even more authentic Greek flavor. The fattier pork helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Can Greek meatballs be baked instead of pan-fried?
Absolutely! The instructions provide the option to bake the meatballs in the oven, which is a great way to achieve perfectly cooked meatballs without the need for pan-frying. Just be sure to bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until they’re cooked through.
How do you keep meatballs tender in lemon sauce?
The key to tender meatballs in the lemon sauce is to avoid overcooking them. Once the meatballs are added to the simmering sauce, just let them heat through for 3-5 minutes. The gentle heat of the sauce helps keep the meatballs moist and juicy without drying them out.
Can Greek meatballs in lemon sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can easily be prepared in advance. You can make the meatballs and the lemon sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. The meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in the lemon sauce and enjoy!
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
- Baked Meatballs with Lemon and Garlic
Elevate Your Culinary Journey with Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce
Discover the delightful flavors of Greece with this exceptional Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce recipe. The tender, aromatic meatballs paired with the bright, tangy lemon sauce create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a comforting home-cooked meal, this dish is sure to impress. So, don’t hesitate – gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Mediterranean.
Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!
PrintDiscover the Joy of Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Today!
Explore the rich culinary traditions of Greece with this mouthwatering recipe for Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce. Tender, aromatic meatballs simmered in a bright, tangy lemon-infused broth – this dish is a delightful exploration of Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Greek isles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup arborio rice
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F or prepare a skillet if you prefer to cook the meatballs on the stovetop.
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, arborio rice, parsley, dill, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well until they’re thoroughly combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the meatball mixture into small, uniform balls, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Cook the Meatballs: If baking, place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and cook for 20–25 minutes until they’re cooked through. For stovetop cooking, brown the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until they’re fully cooked.
5. Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. Set this aside.
6. Heat the Broth: In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the egg-lemon mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
7. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the lemon sauce and let them simmer for 3–5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
Serve your Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley or dill if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, Greek meatballs, lemon sauce