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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and get a nice golden brown color.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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.