The Best Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce Recipe for Dinner

Name: The Best Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce Recipe for Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and lamb for added flavor); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped; 1 large egg; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying); 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

by basmer

12 de January de 2026

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Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine. These meatballs are flavorful and tender, paired with a bright and zesty lemon sauce that elevates the dish to new heights. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. The combination of juicy meatballs, garlic, and fresh herbs, all enveloped in a refreshing lemon sauce, makes this dish irresistible and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce

This recipe for Greek meatballs is not just about great taste; it’s about bringing joy to your dining experience. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Juicy meatballs bursting with flavor.
A tangy lemon sauce that brightens every bite.
Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Can be served with a variety of sides like rice or salad.
Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Gluten-free options available with simple substitutions.

This dish is a fantastic way to explore the Mediterranean flavors of Greek cuisine while enjoying the comfort of homemade meals.

Ingredients for Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce

Gather these items:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and lamb for added flavor)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mint, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Mix everything together using your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making about 18-20 meatballs, depending on your desired size.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Step 5: Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Step 7: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
Step 8: Add the fresh lemon juice and whisk to combine. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 9: Taste the sauce and add honey if you’d like a touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon.
Step 10: Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it’s well-combined and heated through.
Step 11: Carefully return the meatballs to the skillet with the lemon sauce.
Step 12: Spoon the sauce over the meatballs and let them simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes so the meatballs can absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender.
Step 13: Once the meatballs are cooked through and coated in the lemon sauce, transfer them to a serving dish.
Step 14: Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness.
Step 15: Serve the Greek meatballs with rice, couscous, pita bread, or a simple green salad.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce

Keep these in mind:

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to ensure tenderness.
Let the meatballs brown well for a rich flavor.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties.

Best Ways to Serve Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce

Here are a few ideas for serving these flavorful meatballs:

With a side of fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the lemon sauce.
On a bed of fresh greens for a light salad.
With pita bread and tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean meal.

The Best Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce Recipe for Dinner - Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce

For storing, place any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors deepen overnight!

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce

What’s the secret to perfect Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors of the lemon sauce with the savory meatballs. Using fresh herbs and not overmixing the meatball mixture ensures tenderness while cooking.

Can I make Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcook the meatballs and remember to let the sauce simmer to intensify the flavors. Using fresh ingredients will also enhance the dish.

Variations of Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add feta cheese to the meatball mixture for a salty kick.
Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Incorporate different herbs like dill or basil for unique flavor profiles.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a nutritious meal.

For more delicious recipes, check out Korean BBQ Meatballs or Creamy Potato Soup. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze!

The Best Greek Meatballs Lemon Sauce Recipe for Dinner

Author: basmer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

The Softest and Juiciest Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce – Flavorful, Tender, and Irresistible.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mint, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together using your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making about 18-20 meatballs, depending on your desired size.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
Add the fresh lemon juice and whisk to combine. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste the sauce and add honey if you’d like a touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon.
Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it’s well-combined and heated through.
Carefully return the meatballs to the skillet with the lemon sauce.
Spoon the sauce over the meatballs and let them simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes so the meatballs can absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender.
Once the meatballs are cooked through and coated in the lemon sauce, transfer them to a serving dish.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness.
Serve the Greek meatballs with rice, couscous, pita bread, or a simple green salad.