Description
Flavorful Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce are juicy, golden-browned meatballs simmered in a bright lemon-oregano broth. This easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Tender, zesty, and comforting all at once—this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- ½ cup (60g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (divided)
- 1½ cups (360ml) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare ingredients by chopping onion and parsley, mincing garlic, and zesting and juicing the lemon.
- Mix meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, half of the lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form meatballs: Shape mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1½ inches).
- Brown meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make the lemon sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, remaining lemon zest, and lemon juice. Scrape up browned bits from the pan and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Simmer: Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes until fully cooked and infused with flavor.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ground lamb can be substituted for beef for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- Vegetable broth may replace chicken broth if needed.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4–5 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg