Savory Greek Turkey Meatballs
These Greek Turkey Meatballs are juicy and tender, infused with Mediterranean flavors. They are perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Author: Crumella
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Persian cucumbers, grated
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon of dried dill)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and get a nice golden brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb. ground turkey, ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup chopped red onion, and ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese. Use your hands to mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Add in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 beaten egg, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried dill, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix until just combined; the mixture should be moist but not sticky.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced, as this promotes even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the edges are golden brown. Avoid opening the oven too often as it can disrupt cooking.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 grated Persian cucumbers, 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried), 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and cracked black pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices, making them even more flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Ensure your ground turkey is fresh and not overly lean; a bit of fat will enhance moisture and flavor. Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatballs for even cooking and a professional appearance.