Perfect Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce!

Alright, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m absolutely buzzing to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce! Get ready to turn your weeknight dinners into a flavor adventure that’ll have everyone doing a happy dance.

I have so many comfort food recipes here, but this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce recipe? This is special. It’s one of those dishes that happened during a late-night craving and a fridge full of inspiration.

It all started with a simple ground turkey craving. I wanted something light but satisfying, and my mind wandered to the bright, fresh flavors of Greek cuisine. Next thing I knew, I was tossing spices, herbs, and a little bit of feta into ground turkey, rolling them into meatballs, and baking them to golden perfection.

The excitement was building as the aroma filled my kitchen. What truly made this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce a happy accident turned instant family favorite was the homemade tzatziki.

It was creamy, tangy, and the perfect cool counterpoint to the savory meatballs. My family, who are my favorite taste testers, went absolutely wild!

I’m so excited to bring some Mediterranean sunshine to your table with my version of Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this recipe is designed to be fun, approachable, and, most importantly, delicious! Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce ingredient list is all about bold flavors that work together. You probably already have many of these on hand!

Here’s what you’ll need for the Greek Turkey Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground turkey: You can grab this during your normal shopping trip.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: I like to use panko for a little extra crunch.
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: This adds a salty, tangy kick!
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: For that zesty bite.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano: This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce gets its amazing taste from fresh herbs.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint: Adds brightness and freshness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: For warmth and depth.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little spice.
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten: Helps bind everything together.

For the Homemade Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The base for our creamy sauce.
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry: This is crucial for preventing a watery tzatziki.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: More garlic! Can you tell I’m a fan?
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: For brightness and tang.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Dill is a must for authentic tzatziki.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference!
Ingredients needed to make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce including ground turkey, feta, yogurt, and fresh herbs.

No worries if you don’t have fresh oregano or mint! I use dried all the time in my Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. Just use about 1 teaspoon of each.

If you want to add a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce mixture does the trick! I love adding extra garlic to my Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce for that extra punch.

Here’s my secret ingredient that takes this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce from good to incredible: a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato pesto in the meatball mixture. Trust me on this one!

Let’s Make Some!

Get ready for some delicious magic in the kitchen! Making these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce is easier than you think.

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. That’s the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta, red onion, garlic, oregano, mint, cumin, salt, pepper, and egg.
  3. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs will be tough. This is where the magic starts happening!
  4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I usually get about 20-24 meatballs from this recipe.
  5. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re evenly spaced.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. In my kitchen, this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce usually takes about 22 minutes.
  7. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
  8. Mix well and taste. Adjust seasonings as needed. This Homemade Tzatziki should taste refreshing and tangy!
  9. Once the meatballs are done, let them cool slightly before serving. While your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
  10. Serve the meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra dill or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce!

If you’re short on time, you can skip the baking and cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. Just make sure to cook them evenly on all sides! Don’t worry if your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce looks a little imperfect – they’ll still taste incredible!

Sometimes, I like to add a little lemon zest to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Trust your taste buds and get creative!

For a fun twist, try grilling the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. The smoky flavor adds a whole new dimension!

How to Serve Up This!

Okay, now for the fun part: serving this deliciousness! There are so many ways to enjoy these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce.

I love to serve them as a main course with a side of:

  • Warm pita bread: Perfect for scooping up the meatballs and tzatziki.
  • Greek salad: A classic combination with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta.
  • Roasted vegetables: Like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, drizzled with olive oil and herbs.

People literally do happy dances when this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce hits the table. I usually put out some hummus and olives for a complete Mediterranean feast!

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are also fantastic as an appetizer. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks and let your guests help themselves.

For a quick and easy lunch, I like to stuff the meatballs into pita pockets with some lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes.

This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks or parties.

If you have any leftover meatballs, you can chop them up and add them to a salad or grain bowl. They also make a great addition to pasta sauce.

For a fusion twist, try serving the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce over couscous with a sprinkle of toasted almonds and dried cranberries. The combination of flavors and textures is amazing!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns about making Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce, plus my tried-and-true solutions.

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce?

Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. Just follow the steps and don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings. You got this!

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the meatball mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

What if I mess up my Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Don’t sweat it! Even if your meatballs are a little dry or your tzatziki is a little too tangy, it’ll still be delicious. The flavors are so good together that it’s hard to go wrong.

How can I prep this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce for busy weeknights?

I love this question! Chop the veggies and mix the spices ahead of time. You can even make the tzatziki a day in advance. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge and then just assemble when you’re ready to cook.

Can I freeze the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs. Cook them completely, let them cool, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. The tzatziki sauce doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to make it fresh.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can use regular plain yogurt, but make sure to strain it first to remove some of the excess liquid. This will help to create a thicker tzatziki.

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can. Just be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking the meatballs. Turkey Keftedes are lighter and healthier, but beef works in a pinch!

CONCLUSION:

This Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor adventure! It brings me so much joy to share recipes that are both delicious and approachable.

My Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Flavor Secrets:

  1. Fresh Herbs are Key: Don’t skimp on the oregano, mint, and dill. They make all the difference.
  2. Squeeze the Cucumber: This is essential for preventing watery tzatziki.
  3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture will result in tough meatballs.

Here are a few delicious Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce variations I’ve tested:

  • Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. Perfect for game night!
  • Lemon-Herb Meatballs: Add lemon zest and extra fresh herbs to the meatball mixture. This is a great option for a light summer meal.
  • Feta-Stuffed Meatballs: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of feta cheese before baking. These are always a crowd-pleaser!

For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my recipes for Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta, Homemade Bechamel Sauce and Marinara Sauce.

I’m so excited for you to try this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce! Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

This Healthy Meatball Recipe is a great alternative to traditional meatballs. Here are some other great versions of the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce: Healthy Greek Turkey Meatballs With Tzatziki – Erin Lives Whole, Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce – Kalefornia Kravings and Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce – All the Healthy Things.

Delicious homemade Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce plated and ready to eat.

Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures! I just know you’ll love this Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. Let’s turn your kitchen into a flavor playground! 🔥💕

 

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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Homemade Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

These Greek Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Served with a creamy and refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, they’re perfect as an appetizer, a light meal, or even meal-prepped for the week!

  • Author: Nyla
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For the Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, red onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  8. Serve: Serve the cooked meatballs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra dill, if desired.

Notes

Serve these meatballs over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a complete meal. They’re also delicious in a pita with lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki!

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