Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Tasty Family Dinner

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Are you ready to delight your family with a unique dinner? Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce is a dish that blends savory and tangy flavors in a mouthwatering way. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can impress your loved ones on any night. Join me as we explore how to make this delicious meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Your taste buds will thank you!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano comes together to create a deliciously aromatic dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
2. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick, satisfying meal.
3. Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs are delightful on their own, but also pair well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread, allowing for versatile meal presentations.
4. Lemon Zing: The fresh lemon juice and zest in the sauce provide a bright and refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef or lamb

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

– Zest of 1 lemon

Seasoning and Saucing

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

– 1 egg, beaten

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

The mix of these ingredients makes Greek meatballs so tasty. Ground beef or lamb gives them a rich flavor. Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. Parmesan cheese adds a nice saltiness. Fresh parsley brings color and a hint of freshness. The lemon juice and zest give a bright, zesty kick.

The dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth to the flavor. Salt and pepper help bring all the tastes together. Olive oil is essential for frying. Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce. The beaten egg acts as a binder. Cornstarch can help thicken the sauce, but it is optional.

Using these ingredients will make your dish shine. It’s simple, yet each item plays a vital role. As you cook, you’ll notice how they work together to create something special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

– First, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.

– Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.

– Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.

– Now, add 1 beaten egg to the mixture. Mix it thoroughly until it is all combined.

Cooking the Meatballs

– Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide.

– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

– Add the meatballs in batches. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides.

– Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Lemon Sauce

– In the same skillet, pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon.

– Bring it to a gentle simmer.

– If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Simmering

– Return the browned meatballs to the skillet.

– Cover and let them simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them absorb the bright lemon flavor.

– Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques

– To get brown meatballs, use medium heat. This helps the meat cook evenly.

– Simmer meatballs in sauce for 10-15 minutes. This makes them tasty and tender.

Flavor Enhancements

– Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

– Consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs. These will make the dish even better.

Presentation Suggestions

– Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness.

– Serve the meatballs over rice or with crusty bread. Both options soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This change makes the dish lighter while keeping it tasty. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well in the meatball mixture and keep the texture nice.

Flavor Twists

For a fun twist, add crumbled feta cheese to the meatballs. This gives them a creamy texture and a salty kick. You can also mix in different herbs like mint or dill. These herbs enhance the dish and add a fresh touch.

Serving Options

You can serve these meatballs with many different sides. Try pasta or couscous for a filling meal. For a fun lunch, make a meatball wrap or sandwich. Use pita bread or a soft roll and add fresh veggies. This way, you create a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep the meatballs fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, plan ahead!

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the meatballs and sauce together. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge.

To reheat, put the frozen meatballs in a pot. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Heat them on low until warmed through.

Reheating Guidelines

The best method for reheating is on the stove. Use low heat to avoid drying them out. Stir gently and add a bit of broth if needed. This keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious. Heat them in short bursts and check often to prevent drying.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Greek meatballs?

It takes about 40 minutes to cook Greek meatballs. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking. You mix the ingredients and form the meatballs first. Then, you brown them in a skillet. After that, you make the lemon sauce and let the meatballs simmer. The time flies when you smell that lemony goodness!

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these meatballs gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also use ground oats or crushed rice crackers. Both options work well. Just make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish!

What can I serve with Greek meatballs in lemon sauce?

You have many options for side dishes. Here are some great choices:

– Rice or couscous: These soak up the lemon sauce well.

– Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping in the sauce.

– Greek salad: Fresh veggies balance the rich flavors of the meatballs.

– Roasted vegetables: A colorful and healthy addition to the meal.

Feel free to mix and match!

In this blog post, I shared how to make Greek meatballs in lemon sauce using simple, fresh ingredients like ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, and lemon. You learned to mix, shape, and cook meatballs, creating a delightful sauce that enhances their flavor. Remember, you can adapt this recipe to your taste with different herbs or serving options. Enjoy these meatballs with rice, pasta, or in a wrap. I hope you make this dish and impress your friends and famil

Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Delicious meatballs made with ground beef or lamb, served in a tangy lemon sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef (or lamb, if preferred)
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 each Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• for garnish Fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Add the beaten egg to the mixture and combine until everything is evenly incorporated.
• Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until thickened.
• Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to absorb some of the lemon flavor.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Notes

Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword Greek cuisine, lemon sauce, meatballs

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