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Greek Baked Lamb Meatballs with Dill and Crumbled Cheese

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl For combining all ingredients.
  • Sheet pan or baking tray Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Oven For baking the meatballs evenly.
  • Grater or food processor For finely mincing the onion.
  • Ice cream scoop or spoon To portion the meatballs evenly.
  • Wire rack (optional) To place on top of the baking sheet for airflow; helps browning.

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 ½ lbs ground lamb choose 80/20 fat ratio for best flavor and texture
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko preferred for lightness
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or a combo of feta and kasseri if available
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small red onion grated or finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon

For Serving (Optional but Recommended)

  • Extra crumbled feta
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh dill or parsley
  • Tzatziki or a simple yogurt-dill sauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs

  1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until the crumbs absorb the milk. This ensures tender meatballs and avoids dryness.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

  1. In a large bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground lamb, egg, crumbled feta, dill, oregano, garlic, grated onion, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Use your hands to mix everything gently but thoroughly. Don’t overwork the meat or you’ll end up with dense meatballs.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. Using a spoon or scoop, form meatballs about the size of a golf ball and place them spaced evenly on the tray.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside. If you want extra color or crisp edges, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Once out of the oven, garnish with extra crumbled feta, a sprinkling of fresh dill, and serve with lemon wedges. These pair incredibly well with warm pita, hummus, or a dollop of yogurt-based sauce.